New concepts in the management of patients with penetrating abdominal wounds

This article details new concepts in the management of patients with penetr ating abdominal wounds. Diagnostic modalities, such as physical examination , evaluation and wound exploration, radiography, peritoneal lavage, CT, ult rasound, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy; selective management; hemodynamic s tatus; moribund, stable, and unstable patients; mechanism and location of i njury; abbreviated laparotomy; abdominal hypertension; early enteral nutrit ion; antibiotics; packing; cost-constraints; guidelines and protocols; tran splantation; and hypothermia are discussed.