MANAGEMENT OF POLYTRAUMA PATIENTS IN EMERGENCY SURGERY: APPROACHES, CHALLENGES, AND CLINICAL IMPACT

Abstract

Introduction: Polytrauma involves multiple injuries to different body systems, usually resulting from accidents, requiring rapid and integrated action by the healthcare team to reduce risks and improve clinical outcomes. Data from hospitals and DATASUS show a high incidence and demand for emergency surgeries. Effective management depends on skilled multidisciplinary teams, structured protocols, and technological resources, including the ATLS, which guides a systematic approach based on priorities. The coordinated action of physicians, nurses, and other professionals is essential to stabilize, monitor, and treat critically ill patients, contributing to safer interventions and favorable clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the main challenges in the management of polytrauma patients in emergency surgery, as well as to examine the influence of current approaches and protocols on clinical outcomes. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review based on the following guiding question: What are the challenges in the management of polytrauma patients in emergency surgery? Data collection will take place between August and September of this year through the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) databases, using the descriptors in health sciences (Decs): ATLS, approach to trauma, emergency surgery, nursing care, Clinical Management, Polytrauma. The inclusion criteria adopted were: articles published between 2020 and 2025, articles available in Portuguese, free of charge, that address the topic and that are available in full. Duplicate articles were excluded, that is, those present in more than one database, articles in English and Spanish, monographs, incomplete articles, dissertations and those that deviate from the study proposal. Results and discussion: Polytrauma requires rapid and effective care, with trained professionals, adequate infrastructure, and well-defined protocols, due to the high incidence of accidents in Brazil and the clinical and economic impact of these events. The work of multidisciplinary teams, especially nursing, is essential in the triage, stabilization, and monitoring of patients, contributing to faster surgical interventions and better clinical outcomes. Investing in ongoing training, updated protocols, and expanded emergency support is essential to reduce mortality and complications and optimize care for polytrauma patients. Conclusion: Caring for polytrauma patients in surgical emergencies requires technical preparation, agility, and teamwork, with an emphasis on the role of nursing in clinical stabilization and a favorable prognosis. Investing in professional training, well-defined protocols, and adequate resources is essential for rapid and effective responses. Furthermore, public policies for accident prevention and the organization of care flows contribute to reducing mortality and improving clinical outcomes, reinforcing the importance of multidisciplinary and humanized care for polytrauma patients.