Damage control for severe polytraumatism in Wenchuan earthquake

Objective To discuss the effect of damage control strategy on 24 cases of severe poly-traumatism which had been caused by the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake in 2008. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the methods and timing of damage control for the 24 cases of severe polytraumatism. Results All the 24 cases survived. The 4 patients with failure of major organs were free of danger. Three patients needed further debridement and dermoplasty. All the other patients were in the process of recovery after successful definitive surgery. Conclusion Since severe polytraumatism following an earthquake is quiet different from common injury, we recommend damage control strategy for hospitals both in the earthquake area and in the rear. Key words: Earthquake;  Trauma;  Damage control