The Paradigm Shift in the Incidence of Post-trauma Complications

Improvement in trauma care in the last decade resulted in a definite reduction in the incidence of post-trauma complications (PTCs). In spite of rapid improvements, trauma is a major health problem in the present era and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially among young people. Though there is a gradual and progressive improvement in understanding of the pathophysiology of trauma, the anesthesia techniques, and surgical procedures, we still encounter certain complications, some are directly related to the trauma, some are related to the surgical procedures done for the trauma, and some are general complications either directly or indirectly or not at all related to trauma or surgery. However, there has been some change in the incidence of these complications in the recent past as a result of recent advances in the management of trauma victims. It is always better to know these complications so that corrective measurements can be undertaken, thus reducing morbidity and mortality. This chapter describes these complications briefly.