Trauma Surgery

An injury due to a gunshot wound, fall or motor vehicle accident needs surgical intervention immediately. Whether it is a fall, wound or car accident, admission to the hospital will determine if a fracture, blood clot or head injury was sustained. Apart from fractures or head trauma, an infection such as appendicitis is treatable through surgery to reduce the risk of a burst appendix. Emergency surgeries are common for acute conditions such as cholecystitis, bowel obstructions, hernias, stomach ulcers and abscesses.

In most scenarios, trauma or general surgeons work with other experts in different medical spheres such as neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, vascular disease and maxillofacial specialists, mainly when there are head injuries and fractures involved. Inside the trauma unit, everything is at a fast pace. Surgeons operate quickly and skillfully. There isn't much time for lengthy discussions, and decisions have to be made hastily.

Inside the trauma unit

Upon arrival to intensive care, patients are assessed and diagnosed for any breakage within their bones or internal bleeding. Medical experts need to attend to major injuries first and reduce bleeding. When patients are in a critical condition, Dr Boesack aims to resuscitate and stabilise them.

Assessing the patient for significant injuries happen through imaging tests like an x-ray, CT scan and MRI. These tests determine the extent of the damage and help formulate surgical therapy.

Trauma surgeons work with a multidisciplinary team of experts to determine if there is any severe damage to nearby organs or haemorrhaging. Managing key parameters such as breathing, circulation and heart rate are vital at this point. Medical staff and nurses monitor vital signs, establish a history of pre-existing conditions and carry out blood tests in case of an infection. At the same time, the patient may receive an intravenous drip for the intake of fluids. Without surgery, patients are at risk of organ damage, heart failure, sepsis, amputation and neurological impairment.