Introduction

This book provides the basis needed for a dialogue between intensivists and emergency surgeons regarding the management and monitoring of acute care surgery (ACS) patients who require Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. It puts forward a practical approach to the treatment of common emergencies in daily clinical practice, and shares essential information on the treatment and monitoring of hemodynamic, respiratory, metabolic and neurological problems related to acute surgical patients requiring ICU admission. Furthermore, it includes two chapters regarding diagnostic and interventional radiology (fundamentals in daily emergency clinical practice), and addresses important issues such as ethics, mass casualty care, and care in low-resource settings. As such, the book not only offers a valuable guide for all practicing surgeons and intensivists, but is also relevant for residents and fellows who are newcomers to ACS.