Changing patterns in the management of penetrating abdominal trauma: the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Background: Damage control surgery (DCS) and treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome have had major impacts on care of the severely injured. The objective of this study was to see whether advances in critical care, DCS, and recognition of abdominal compartment syndrome have improved survival from penetrating abdominal injury (PAI).

Methods: The care of 250 consecutive patients requiring laparotomy for PAI (1997-2000) was reviewed retrospectively.