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.