Noncompressible torso hemorrhage: a review with contemporary definitions and management strategies

Abstract

Trauma resulting in hemorrhage from vascular disruption within the torso is a challenging scenario, with a propensity to be lethal in the first hour following trauma. The term noncompressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH) was only recently coined as part of contemporary studies describing the epidemiology of wounding during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This article provides a contemporary review of NCTH, including a unifying definition to promote future study as well as a description of resuscitative and operative management strategies to be used in this setting, and sets a course for research to improve mortality following this vexing injury pattern.