Polytrauma and concomitant traumatic brain injury : The role of the trauma surgeon

Concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases mortality and reduces quality of life of polytrauma patients. These facts demand effective treatment strategies while the growing specialization of medicine is questioning the role of the trauma surgeon in the management of these patients. Which fac...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Der Unfallchirurg 2017-09, Vol.120 (9), p.722-727
Main Authors: Antoni, A, Heinz, T, Leitgeb, J
Format: Article
Language:ger
Subjects:
Brain Injuries, Traumatic - diagnosis
Brain Injuries, Traumatic - surgery
Comorbidity
Humans
Interdisciplinary Communication
Intersectoral Collaboration
Multiple Trauma - diagnosis
Multiple Trauma - surgery
Patient Care Team
Prognosis
Specialization
Treatment Outcome
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases mortality and reduces quality of life of polytrauma patients. These facts demand effective treatment strategies while the growing specialization of medicine is questioning the role of the trauma surgeon in the management of these patients. Which factors influence outcome of polytrauma with concomitant TBI? Who should be responsible for the management of these patients and what is the limit of management? A literature search using Medline via PubMed was performed with Medical Subject Headings and text word search. The crucial factors for outcome are absence of hypotension, adherence to pre- and in-hospital standards like fast transportation to appropriate centers, priority-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and strict adherence to principles of damage control surgery. Patients with polytrauma and TBI are treated by different specialties around the world based on the trauma system, geographic circumstances and resources. Investigations of operative and conservative management by different medical specialties showed comparable outcomes. In an age of standardization and a high degree of specialization in the field of medicine, the trauma surgeon still seems to be able to ensure an optimal treatment of polytrauma and concomitant TBI by focusing on priority-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and adhering to principles of damage control surgery.
ISSN:1433-044X
DOI:10.1007/s00113-017-0354-x