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The concept of damage control surgery was first described for the purpose of treating medically un-stable patients with abdominal trauma. The purpose of such surgery is rapid control of hemorrhage and contamination, not definitive repair of injuries. The goal is to improve survival of patients with the potentially lethal triad of hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy. Definitive repair of injuries and abdominal closure are not performed at the time of initial laparotomy. Rather, the abdominal wound is left open, a dressing is placed, and the patient is transported to the intensive care unit for continued re-suscitation. This includes optimization of hemodynamic condition, respiratory support, warming, and correction of coagulopathy. Following successful resuscitation, when the patient is medically stable, a return to the operating room is scheduled for repair of injuries and abdominal closure.