The role of reconstructive surgery in the management of war wounds.

Reconstructive surgery can be used within a framework of management of war wounds by basic principles. It falls into three groups: i. Primary (emergency) reconstruction; performed as part of initial surgery and as a life-saving procedure. ii. Delayed primary (essential) reconstruction; performed at the time of delayed closure. iii. Elective or non-essential reconstruction. All surgeons involved with the early management of war wounds should be prepared to perform primary and delayed primary reconstruction.