[Developments in polytrauma management. Priority-based strategy].

The acute and early phase of polytrauma management is decisive for determining and implementing priority-based operative strategy. The patient's general condition and pattern of injury have to be considered. The highest priorities in the acute phase of operative treatment are control of mass bleeding and the release of body cavities (life-saving surgery). In the primary phase of surgical management (day 1 surgery), selected injuries are treated in the order of their urgency. Conceptual damage control surgery is distinguished from early total care. Damage control surgery should be performed only in patients meeting certain instability and risk criteria to avoid additionally burdening their condition.