Staged laparotomy for the hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy syndrome

The recent history, indications, physiologic objectives, and technical aspects of staged laparotomy are discussd in this overview. While postinjury refractory coagulopathy is the most common scenario for this life-saving concept, there are many other potential applications during both emergency and elective procedures in the neck, chest, pelvis, and extremities as well as the abdomen.