Abstract
Background: Trauma is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, with a particular effect on economically productive individuals. In this setting, the role of the general surgeons is key in trauma care. They need expertise in a broad range of emergency operations under poor conditions and with limited resources, making them an integral component of the process.
Our intention is to discern and delineate the key surgical procedures that general surgeons need to be proficient in for effective, safe trauma care. This will provide a pragmatic framework for clinical preparedness and surgical education, equipping surgeons with the essential skills and information.
Material and Methods: Systematic review of literature by using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from 2000 to 2024. Search words were "trauma surgery," "emergency procedures," "damage control surgery," and "general surgeon skills." Articles that reported trauma surgical procedures pertinent to general surgeons in civilian and military settings were included. International trauma training curricula (ATLS, DSTC) and expert consensus statements were examined to identify core procedural competencies.
Results: Hemorrhage control and stabilization methods were the trauma procedures that were lifesaving skills. The key skills are vascular ligation, emergency thoracotomy (hemorrhage control), cricothyroidotomy (airway management), chest tube insertion (thoracic procedures), and damage control laparotomy, which is the surgery performed to stabilize the abdominal bleeding and contamination.  The other skills include solid organ injury management, fasciotomy, bowel resection, and complex wound care.
Conclusions: Proper trauma care necessitates that general surgeons remain proficient in core operations that directly affect patient outcomes and survival. Formulated training courses emphasizing ongoing education and skill maintenance significantly enhance trauma system performance and patient outcomes. Surgeons who provide trauma care owe it to themselves and their patients to stay up to date and improve their skills.
Keywords: Damage control surgery; Surgery for trauma; General surgeon; Emergency surgery; Trauma care; Hemorrhage control; Surgical training