ABSTRACT
Trauma is regarded as a global pandemic. It remains a leading cause of death and morbidity in children and young adults in the developed countries whereas in low- and middle-income countries, the problem is more evident. It is estimated that 8.4 million deaths per year are expected in 2020. Polytrauma represents 16% of all trauma cases, however; it accounts for 43% of the deaths, with 75% of the mortality involving children and young adults. In poly-trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death, followed by severe hemorrhage or exsanguination due to abdominal or thoracic injury. The combination of both types of injuries is lethal. The unique difficulties associated with polytrauma in terms of the initial anatomic injury and the accompanying physiologic deterioration pose a huge burden on the trauma team. The involvement of anesthesiologiists in trauma management begins with, but is not limited to, initial resuscitation. This chapter highlights the new concepts, the current strategies, and the anesthesiologist’s role in polytrauma management.
