Pathophysiology and treatment of seawater-immersed open abdominal wound

Due to the use of precision guided weapons in modern sea warfare or landing operations, blast injury followed by seawater immersion becomes the most common injury. Seawater-immersed open abdominal wound is one of acute and severe conditions in wartime and peacetime marine production accidents. The injury situation is usually complex and needs emergency treatment. Seawater is characterized by high salinity, high permeability and rich in bacteria and microorganisms, causing secondary injury after open abdominal injury frequently. In this paper, the treatment progress of seawater-immersed open abdominal wound is reviewed from different aspects.