Surgical strategies for management of the open abdomen

The Open Abdomen After Intra-abdominal Contamination in Emergency General Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Delayed fascial closure (DFC) is an increasingly utilized technique in emergency general surgery (EGS), despite a lack of data regarding its benefits. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of DFC versus immediate fascial closure (IFC) in EGS patients with intra-abdominal contamination.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted using the 2013-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Adult EGS patients who underwent an exploratory laparotomy with intra-abdominal contamination [wound classification III (contaminated) or IV (dirty)] were included. Patients with agreed upon indications for DFC were excluded. A propensity-matched analysis was performed. The primary outcome was 30-d mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 36,974 eligible patients. 16.8% underwent DFC, of which 51.7% were female, and the median age was 64 y. After matching, there were 6213 pairs. DFC was associated with a higher risk of mortality (15.8% versus 14.2%, P = 0.016), pneumonia (11.7% versus 10.1%, P = 0.007), pulmonary embolism (1.9% versus 1.6%, P = 0.03), and longer hospital stay (11 versus 10 d, P < 0.001). No significant differences in postoperative sepsis and deep surgical site infection rates between the two groups were observed. Subgroup analyses by preoperative diagnosis (diverticulitis, perforation, and undifferentiated sepsis) showed that DFC was associated with longer hospital stay in all subgroups, with a higher mortality rate in patients with diverticulitis (8.1% versus 6.1%, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

In the presence of intra-abdominal contamination, DFC is associated with longer hospital stay and higher rates of mortality and morbidity. DFC was not associated with decreased risk of infectious complications. Further studies are needed to clearly define the indications of DFC.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy After Intestinal Anastomosis: A Risk Factor Analysis for Dehiscence

INTRODUCTION

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is part of the temporary abdominal closure in the treatment of patients with traumatic, inflammatory, or vascular disease. However, the use of NPWT when performing an intestinal anastomosis has been controversial. This study aimed to describe the patients managed with NPWT therapy and identify the risk factors for anastomotic dehiscence when intestinal anastomosis was performed.

METHODS

A single-center cohort study with prospectively collected databases was performed. Patients who required NPWT therapy from January 2014 to December 2018 were included. Patients were stratified according to the performance of intestinal anastomosis and according to the presence of dehiscence. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed for anastomotic dehiscence and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 97 patients were included. Median age was 52 y old [interquartile range 24.5-70]. Male patients corresponded to 75.6% (n = 34) of the population. Delayed fascial closure was performed in 80% (n = 36). The risk of anastomotic dehiscence was higher in females (odds ratio (OR) 11.52 [confidence interval (CI) 1.29-97.85], P = 0.030), delayed fascial closure (OR 18.18 [CI 2.02-163.5], P = 0.010) and use of vasopressors (OR 12.04 [CI 1.22-118.47], P = 0.033). NPWT pressures >110 mmHg were evidenced in the dehiscence group with statistically significant value (OR 1.2 [0.99-2.26] p 0.04) CONCLUSIONS: There is still controversy in the use of NPWT when performing intestinal anastomosis. According to our data, the risk of dehiscence is higher in females, delayed fascial closure, use of vasopressors, and NPWT pressures >110 MMHG.

Damage Control Laparotomy and Management of the Open Abdomen

Management of the open abdomen has been used for decades by general surgeons. Techniques have evolved over those decades to improve control of infection, fluid loss, and improve the ability to close the abdomen to avoid hernia formation. The authors explore the history, indications, and techniques of open abdomen management in multiple settings. The most important considerations in open abdomen management include the reason for leaving the abdomen open, prevention and mitigation of ongoing organ dysfunction, and eventual plans for abdominal closure.

Optimized Treatment of Nosocomial Peritonitis

This comprehensive review aims to provide a practical guide for intensivists, focusing on enhancing patient care associated with nosocomial peritonitis (NP). It explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of NP, a significant contributor to the mortality of surgical patients worldwide. NP is, per definition, a hospital-acquired condition and a consequence of gastrointestinal surgery or a complication of other diseases. NP, one of the most prevalent causes of sepsis in surgical Intensive Care Units (ICUs), is often associated with multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and high mortality rates. Early clinical suspicion and the utilization of various diagnostic tools like biomarkers and imaging are of great importance. Microbiology is often complex, with antimicrobial resistance escalating in many parts of the world. Fungal peritonitis and its risk factors, diagnostic hurdles, and effective management approaches are particularly relevant in patients with NP. Contemporary antimicrobial strategies for treating NP are discussed, including drug resistance challenges and empirical antibiotic regimens. The importance of source control in intra-abdominal infection management, including surgical and non-surgical interventions, is also emphasized. A deeper exploration into the role of open abdomen treatment as a potential option for selected patients is proposed, indicating an area for further investigation. This review underscores the need for more research to advance the best treatment strategies for NP.

Damage control surgery in emergency general surgery: What you need to know

ABSTRACT

Damage-control surgery (DCS) is a strategy adopted to limit initial operative interventions in the unstable surgical patient, delaying definitive repairs and abdominal wall closure until physiologic parameters have improved. Although this concept of "physiology over anatomy" was initially described in the management of severely injured trauma patients, the approaches of DCS have become common in the management of nontraumatic intra-abdominal emergencies.While the utilization of damage-control methods in emergency general surgery (EGS) is controversial, numerous studies have demonstrated improved outcomes, making DCS an essential technique for all acute care surgeons. Following a brief history of DCS and its indications in the EGS patient, the phases of DCS will be discussed including an in-depth review of preoperative resuscitation, techniques for intra-abdominal source control, temporary abdominal closure, intensive care unit (ICU) management of the open abdomen, and strategies to improve abdominal wall closure.

Primary anastomosis and suturing combined with vacuum-assisted abdominal closure in patients with secondary peritonitis due to perforation of the small intestine: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Intestinal resection and a proximal stoma is the preferred surgical approach in patients with severe secondary peritonitis due to perforation of the small intestine. However, proximal stomas may result in significant nutritional problems and long-term parenteral nutrition. This study aimed to assess whether primary anastomosis or suturing of small intestine perforation is feasible and safe using the open abdomen principle with vacuum-assisted abdominal closure (VAC).

METHODS

Between January 2005 and June 2018, we performed a retrospective chart review of 20 patients (> 18 years) with diffuse faecal peritonitis caused by small intestinal perforation and treated with primary anastomosis/suturing and subsequent open abdomen with VAC.

RESULTS

The median age was 65 years (range: 23-90 years). Twelve patients were female (60%). Simple suturing of the small intestinal perforation was performed in three cases and intestinal resection with primary anastomosis in 17 cases. Four patients (20%) died within 90-days postoperatively. Leakage occurred in five cases (25%), and three patients developed an enteroatmospheric fistula (15%). Thirteen of 16 patients (83%) who survived were discharged without a stoma. The rest had a permanent stoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary suturing or resection with anastomosis and open abdomen with VAC in small intestinal perforation with severe faecal peritonitis is associated with a high rate of leakage and enteroatmospheric fistula formation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was approved by the Danish Patient Safety Authority (case number 3-3013-1555/1) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (file number 18/28,404). No funding was received.

Incisional wound closure by sequential partial split-thickness skin grafting following failure of primary abdominal fascia closure after open abdomen management: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Open abdomen (OA) is a widely used technique for managing abdominal organ injury, abdominal compartment syndrome, and abdominal sepsis. While various methods have contributed to successful primary closure of the abdominal fascia after OA, some patients still develop enteroatmospheric fistulas that impede abdominal fascia closure. We report a case of successful epithelialization of the incision by sequential partial split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) in a patient who had failure in primary abdominal fascia closure due to enteroatmospheric fistulas after OA for incisional dehiscence and anastomotic leakage.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 73-year-old male patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for duodenal adenocarcinoma. The abdominal incision was then necrosed and dehisced due to anastomotic leakage on postoperative day (POD) 6, and multiple intra-abdominal lavages with OA were performed. On POD 15, the patient developed enteroatmospheric fistulas; thus, primary fascia closure was considered impossible. On PODs 72 and 106, STSG was conducted on the granulation tissue at the incisional wound, and complete epithelialization was achieved on POD 111.

DISCUSSION

Sequential partial STSG only needed basic surgical skills and standard devices for surgery.

CONCLUSION

We reported the case with successful epithelialization of the incision by sequential partial STSG, in which primary abdominal fascia closure was failed due to enteroatmospheric fistulas after OA for incisional dehiscence and anastomotic leakage.

Open abdominal management after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: from a single-center study in Japan

PURPOSE

We investigated the utility of the open abdominal management (OA) technique for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA).

METHODS

Between January 2016 and August 2021, 33 patients underwent open surgery for rAAA at our institution. The patients were divided into OA (n = 12) and non-OA (n = 21) groups. We compared preoperative characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes between the two groups. The intensive care unit management and abdominal wall closure statuses of the OA group were evaluated.

RESULTS

The OA group included significantly more cases of a preoperative shock than the non-OA group. The operation time was also significantly longer in the OA group than in the non-OA group. The need for intraoperative fluids, amount of bleeding, and need for blood transfusion were significantly higher in the OA group than in the non-OA group. Negative pressure therapy (NPT) systems are useful in OA. In five of the six survivors in the OA group, abdominal closure was able to be achieved using components separation (CS) technique.

CONCLUSIONS

NPT and the CS technique may increase the abdominal wall closure rate in rAAA surgery using OA and are expected to improve outcomes.

Open abdomen: is a dedicated emergency surgery team needed? A single center retrospective study on 141 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Open Abdomen (OA) is widely used when facing a catastrophic abdomen. Still, no indication is validated by a strong and high quality of evidence. The study reports the 5 year experience of a dedicated emergency general surgery (EGS) team.

METHODS

Retrospective observational cohort study. Patients undergoing OA management from 2/01/2015 to 19/07/2020 for trauma, non-traumatic emergencies or rescue surgery.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-one patients. Age 66.9 ± 15.1. Male 58.2%.9.3% OA for trauma, 64.5% for non-traumatic emergencies and 26.2% for rescue surgery. 40.4% performed by the EGS team 52.4% indication for surgery was a severe intra-abdominal infection. TAC device: commercial negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) (83%), Sandwich VAC (12%), commercial NPWT with polypropylene mesh (5%) for pregressive fascial traction. Enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in 3 patients. OA duration 5.3 days (1-25). A 1.8 revision surgeries (0-12) required for definitive closure; ICU stay 9.9 days (0-78). 30-day mortality 23.5%. Overall and 1-year mortality were 47.5% and 43.3%. Overall survival 9.9 months. An increased one-year mortality rate was found in the >65 group (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We reported a wide use of OA in septic abdomen (90% of cases). We had a low rate of EAF, short ICU stay and OA duration. These results are related to the fact that patients were treated by a dedicated EGS team, suggesting that OA management should be cared for as much as possible by trained and experienced surgeons. Prospective studies with more accurate patient selection are needed to prove our conclusions.

Simultaneous early surgical repair of post-cholecystectomy major bile duct injury and complex abdominal evisceration: A case report

BACKGROUND

Major bile duct injuries (BDIs) are hazardous complications during 0.4%-0.6% of laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Major BDIs usually require surgical repair, ideally either immediately or at least six weeks after the damage. The complexity of our case lies in the coexistence of early BDI followed by 2-week biliary peritonitis with massive midline evisceration which, in combination, has over 40% mortality risk.

METHODS & CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a 65-year-old male, transferred to our tertiary HPB service on day 14 after common bile duct complete transection during cholecystectomy and postoperative laparotomy. The patient presented with biliary peritonitis along with full wound dehiscence and extensive evisceration. During emergency peritoneal wash-out surgery we deemed immediate BDI repair feasible by primary Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ), with multi-stage abdominal closure. In the following days we performed progressive abdominal wall closure in multiple sessions under general anesthesia, aided by vacuum-assisted wound closure and intraperitoneal mesh-mediated fascial traction-approximation (VAWCM) with permeable mesh. An expected late incisional hernia was eventually repaired through component separation and biological mesh.

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION

The simultaneous use of Roux-en-Y HJ and VAWCM has proven safe and effective in the treatment of BDI and 2-week biliary peritonitis with massive midline evisceration.

Vacuum-assisted closure versus on-demand relaparotomy in patients with secondary peritonitis-the VACOR trial: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Secondary peritonitis is a severe condition with a 20–32% reported mortality. The accepted treatment modalities are vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) or primary closure with relaparotomy on-demand (ROD). However, no randomised controlled trial has been completed to compare the two methods potential benefits and disadvantages.

Methods

This study will be a randomised controlled multicentre trial, including patients aged 18 years or older with purulent or faecal peritonitis confined to at least two of the four abdominal quadrants originating from the small intestine, colon, or rectum. Randomisation will be web-based to either primary closure with ROD or VAC in blocks of 2, 4, and 6. The primary endpoint is peritonitis-related complications within 30 or 90 days and one year after index operation. Secondary outcomes are comprehensive complication index (CCI) and mortality after 30 or 90 days and one year; quality of life assessment by (SF-36) after three and 12 months, the development of incisional hernia after 12 months assessed by clinical examination and CT-scanning and healthcare resource utilisation. With an estimated superiority of 15% in the primary outcome for VAC, 340 patients must be included. Hospitals in Denmark and Europe will be invited to participate.

Discussion

There is no robust evidence for choosing either open abdomen with VAC treatment or primary closure with relaparotomy on-demand in patients with secondary peritonitis. The present study has the potential to answer this important clinical question.

Trial Registration

The study protocol has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03932461). Protocol version 1.0, 9 January 2022.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13017-022-00427-x.

Efficacy and safety of external tissue expansion technique in the treatment of soft tissue defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes and complication rates

Background

Currently, various external tissue expansion devices are becoming widely used. Considering the scarcity of relevant application standards, this systematic review was performed to explore the effectiveness and safety of external tissue expansion techniques for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects.

Method

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of external tissue expansion technique was conducted. A comprehensive search was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library (Wiley Online Library), and Web of Science. Studies reporting patients with soft tissue defects under the treatment of external tissue expansion technique were included.

Results

A total of 66 studies with 22 different types of external tissue expansion devices met the inclusion criteria. We performed a descriptive analysis of different kinds of devices. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the external tissue expansion technique for different aetiologies. The pooled mean wound healing time among patients with defects after fasciotomy was 10.548 days [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.796–15.299]. The pooled median wound healing times of patients with defects after excisional surgery, trauma, chronic ulcers and abdominal defects were 11.218 days (95% CI = 6.183-16.253), 11.561 days (95% CI = 7.062-16.060), 15.956 days (95% CI = 11.916-19.996) and 12.853 days (95% CI=9.444-16.227), respectively. The pooled wound healing rates of patients with defects after fasciotomy, excisional surgery, trauma, chronic ulcers and abdominal defects were 93.8% (95% CI=87.1-98.2%), 97.2% (95%CI=92.2-99.7%), 97.0% (95%CI=91.2-99.8%), 99.5% (95%CI=97.6-100%), and 96.8% (95%CI=79.2-100%), respectively. We performed a subgroup analysis in patients with diabetic ulcers and open abdominal wounds. The pooled median wound healing time of patients with diabetic ulcers was 11.730 days (95% CI = 10.334-13.125). The pooled median wound healing time of patients with open abdomen defects was 48.810 days (95% CI = 35.557–62.063) and the pooled successful healing rate was 68.8% (95% CI = 45.9-88.1%). A total of 1686 patients were included, 265 (15.7%) of whom experienced complications. The most common complication was dehiscence (n = 53, 3.14%).

Conclusions

Our systematic review is the first to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of external tissue expansion in the management of soft tissue defects. However, we must interpret the meta-analysis results with caution considering the limitations of this review. Large-scale randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up studies are still needed to confirm the effectiveness and evaluate the quality of healing.

Management of the patient with the open abdomen

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to outline the management of the patient with the open abdomen.

RECENT FINDINGS

An open abdomen approach is used after damage control laparotomy, to decrease risk for postsurgery intra-abdominal hypertension, if reoperation is likely and after primary abdominal decompression.Temporary abdominal wall closure without negative pressure is associated with higher rates of intra-abdominal infection and evisceration. Negative pressure systems improve fascial closure rates but increase fistula formation. Definitive abdominal wall closure should be considered once oedema has subsided and the patient has stabilized. Delayed abdominal closure after trauma (>24-48 h) is associated with less achievement of fascial closure and more complications. Protective lung ventilation should be employed early, particularly if respiratory compromise is evident. Conservative fluid management and less sedation may decrease delirium and increase definitive abdominal closure rates. Extubation may be performed before definitive abdominal closure in selected patients. Antibiotic therapy should be brief, targeted and guideline concordant. Survival depends on the underlying disease, the closure method and the course of hospitalization.

SUMMARY

Changes in the treatment of patients with the open abdomen include negative temporary closure, conservative fluid management, early protective lung ventilation, decreased sedation and extubation before abdominal closure in selected patients.

[Koblenz algorithm for open abdomen management]

The issue of laparostomy treatment is still controversial, since there are insufficient evidence-based data. German military surgeons have developed and implemented the «Koblenz algorithm» of laparostomy treatment into everyday practice. The algorithm was developed at the Bundeswehr Central Hospital in Koblenz (Germany). Today, approximately 50% of German civilian hospitals use the «Koblenz algorithm». The database for laparostomy treatment was created on the basis of international platform European Registry of Abdominal wall Hernias (EuraHS) in May 2015. These data will be valuable for further multipla-center studies. This manuscript is devoted to analysis of clinical effectiveness of the «Koblenz algorithm» in the treatment of patients with laparostomy. Searching of Russian, English and German studies devoted to «Koblenz algorithm» in the treatment of patients with laparostomy was carried out in the eLIBRARY, Elektronische Zeitschriftenbibliothek, the Cochrane Library and the PubMed databases. The authors comprehensively described «Koblenz algorithm». Mortality in the group of VAC - therapy was 57% (31/54), in case of «Koblenz algorithm» - 33% (33/100). Between-group differences were significant (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.72, p=0.003). However, an efficacy of «Koblenz algorithm» should be confirmed in further multiple-center studies including national evidence-based trials.

Trauma and nontrauma damage-control laparotomy: The difference is delirium (data from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma SLEEP-TIME multicenter trial)

BACKGROUND

Damage-control laparotomy (DCL) has been used for traumatic and nontraumatic indications. We studied factors associated with delirium and outcome in this population.

METHODS

We reviewed DCL patients at 15 centers for 2 years, including demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), diagnosis, operations, and outcomes. We compared 30-day mortality; renal failure requiring dialysis; number of takebacks; hospital, ventilator, and intensive care unit (ICU) days; and delirium-free and coma-free proportion of the first 30 ICU days (DF/CF-ICU-30) between trauma (T) and nontrauma (NT) patients. We performed linear regression for DF/CF-ICU-30, including age, sex, CCI, achievement of primary fascial closure (PFC), small and large bowel resection, bowel discontinuity, abdominal vascular procedures, and trauma as covariates. We performed one-way analysis of variance for DF/CF-ICU-30 against traumatic brain injury severity as measured by Abbreviated Injury Scale for the head.

RESULTS

Among 554 DCL patients (25.8% NT), NT patients were older (58.9 ± 15.8 vs. 39.7 ± 17.0 years, p < 0.001), more female (45.5% vs. 22.1%, p < 0.001), and had higher CCI (4.7 ± 3.3 vs. 1.1 ± 2.2, p < 0.001). The number of takebacks (1.7 ± 2.6 vs. 1.5 ± 1.2), time to first takeback (32.0 hours), duration of bowel discontinuity (47.0 hours), and time to PFC were similar (63.2 hours, achieved in 73.5%). Nontrauma and T patients had similar ventilator, ICU, and hospital days and mortality (31.0% NT, 29.8% T). Nontrauma patients had higher rates of renal failure requiring dialysis (36.6% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001) and postoperative abdominal sepsis (40.1% vs. 17.1%, p < 0.001). Trauma and NT patients had similar number of hours of sedative (89.9 vs. 65.5 hours, p = 0.064) and opioid infusions (106.9 vs. 96.7 hours, p = 0.514), but T had lower DF/CF-ICU-30 (51.1% vs. 73.7%, p = 0.029), indicating more delirium. Linear regression analysis indicated that T was associated with a 32.1% decrease (95% CI, 14.6%-49.5%; p < 0.001) in DF/CF-ICU-30, while achieving PFC was associated with a 25.1% increase (95% CI, 10.2%-40.1%; p = 0.001) in DF/CFICU-30. Increasing Abbreviated Injury Scale for the head was associated with decreased DF/CF-ICU-30 by analysis of variance (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Nontrauma patients had higher incidence of postoperative abdominal sepsis and need for dialysis, while T was independently associated with increased delirium, perhaps because of traumatic brain injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.

Managing the Open Abdomen in Damage Control Surgery: Should Skin-Only Closure be Abandoned?

During damage control laparotomy, surgery is abbreviated to allow for the correction of physiologic disturbances, with a plan to return to the operating theatre for definitive surgical repair. Re-entry into the abdomen is facilitated by temporary abdominal closure (TAC). Skin-only closure is one of the many techniques described for TAC Numerous sources advise against the use of this technique because of the risk of complications. This case report describes the use of skin-only closure during a damage control laparotomy. We reviewed the literature surrounding the various options for TAC to elucidate the potential role of skin-only closure after damage control laparotomy.

Lessons Learned in 11 Years of Experience With Open Abdomen Treatment With Negative-Pressure Therapy for Various Abdominal Emergencies

Introduction: Open abdomen (OA) treatment with negative-pressure therapy (NPT) was initiated for perforated diverticulitis and subsequently extended to other abdominal emergencies. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the indications, procedures, duration of NPT, and the outcomes of all our patients. Methods: All consecutive patients treated with intra-abdominal NPT from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 438 patients (44% females) with a median (range) age of 66 (12-94) years, BMI of 25 (14-48) kg/m², and ASA class I, II, III, and IV scores of 36 (13%), 239 (55%), 95 (22%), and 3(1%), respectively, were treated with NPT. The indication for surgery was primary bowel perforation in 163 (37%), mesenteric ischemia in 53 (12%), anastomotic leakage in 53 (12%), ileus in 53 (12%), postoperative bowel perforation/leakage in 32 (7%), abdominal compartment in 15 (3%), pancreatic fistula in 13 (3%), gastric perforation in 13 (3%), secondary peritonitis in 11 (3%), burst abdomen in nine (2%), biliary leakage in eight (2%), and other in 15 (3%) patients. A damage control operation without reconstruction in the initial procedure was performed in 164 (37%) patients. The duration of hospital and intensive care stay were, median (range), 28 (0-278) and 4 (0-214) days. The median (range) duration of operation was 109 (22-433) min and of NPT was 3(0-33) days. A trend to shorter duration of NPT was observed over time and in the colonic perforation group. The mean operating time was shorter when only blind ends were left in situ, namely 110 vs. 133 min (p = 0.006). The mortality rates were 14% at 30 days, 21% at 90 days, and 31% at 1 year. An entero-atmospheric fistula was observed in five (1%) cases, most recently in 2014. Direct fascia closure was possible in 417 (95%) patients at the end of NPT, but least often (67%, p = 0.00) in patients with burst abdomen. During follow-up, hernia repair was observed in 52 (24%) of the surviving patients. Conclusion: Open abdomen treatment with NPT is a promising concept for various abdominal emergencies, especially when treated outside normal working hours. A low rate of entero-atmospheric fistula formation and a high rate of direct fascia closure were achieved with dynamic approximation of the fascia edges. The authors recommend an early-in and early-out strategy as the prolongation of NPT by more than 1 week ends up in a frozen abdomen and does not improve abdominal sepsis.

Long Term Outcome After Open Abdomen Treatment: Function and Quality of Life

Background: Open abdomen treatment (OAT) is widely accepted to manage severe abdominal conditions such as peritonitis and abdominal compartment syndrome but can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. The main risks in OAT are (1) entero-atmospheric fistula (EAF), (2) failure of primary fascial closure, and (3) incisional hernias. In this study, we assessed the long-term functional outcome after OAT to understand which factors impacted most on quality of life (QoL)/daily living activities and the natural course after OAT. Materials and Methods: After a retrospective analysis of 165 consecutive OAT patients over a period of 10 years (2002-2012) with over 65 clinical parameters that had been performed at our center (1), we initiated a prospective structured follow-up approach. All survivors were invited for a clinical follow-up. Forty complete datasets including clinical and social follow-up with SF-36 scores were available for full analysis. Results: The patients were dominantly male (75%) with a median age of 52 years. Primary fascial closure (PC) was achieved in 9/40 (23%), while in 77% a planned ventral hernia (PVH) approach was followed. A total of 3/4 of the PVH patients underwent a secondary-stage abdominal wall reconstruction (SSR), but 2/3 of these reconstructed patients developed recurrent hernias. Fifty-five percent of the patients with PC developed an incisional hernia, while 20% of all patients developed significant scarring (Vancouver Scar Score >8). Scar pain was described by 15% of the patients as "moderate" [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 4-6] and by 10% as "severe" (VAS > 7). While hernia presence, PC or PVH, and scarring showed no impact on QoL, male sex and especially EAF formation significantly reduced QoL. Discussion: Despite many advantages, OAT was associated with relevant mortality and morbidity, especially in the early era before the implementation of a structured concept at our center. Follow-up revealed that hernia incidence after OAT and secondary reconstruction were high and that 25% of patients qualifying for a secondary reconstruction either did not want surgery or were unfit. Sex and EAF formation impacted significantly on QoL, which was lower than in the general population. With regard to hernia incidence, new strategies such as prophylactic mesh implantation upon fascial closure should be discussed analogous to other major abdominal procedures.

Superior primary fascial closure rate and lower mortality after open abdomen using negative pressure wound therapy with continuous fascial traction

BACKGROUND

Open abdomen (OA) is a useful option for treatment strategy in many acute abdominal catastrophes. A number of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) methods are used with limited number of comparative studies. The present study was done to examine risk factors for failed delayed primary fascial closure (DPFC) and risk factors for mortality in patients treated with OA.

METHODS

This study was a multicenter retrospective analysis of the hospital records of all consecutive patients treated with OA during the years 2009 to 2016 at five tertiary referral hospitals and three secondary referral centers in Finland.

RESULTS

Six hundred seventy-six patients treated with OA were included in the study. Vacuum-assisted closure with continuous mesh-mediated fascial traction (VACM) was the most popular TAC method used (N = 398, 59%) followed by VAC (N = 128, 19%), Bogota bag (N = 128, 19%), and self-designed methods (N = 22, 3%). In multivariate analysis, enteroatmospheric fistula and the number of needed TAC changes increased the risk for failed DPFC (odds ratio [OR], 8.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2-12.8; p < 0.001 and OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3; p < 0.001, respectively). Instead, VACM and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm as cause for OA both decreased the risk for failed DPFC (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.0-0.3; p < 0.001 and OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7; p = 0.012). The overall mortality rate was 30%. In multivariate analysis for mortality, multiorgan dysfunction (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6-3.6; p < 0.001), and increasing age (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.0-9.7; p < 0.001) predicted increased mortality. Institutional large annual patient volume (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3-0.6; p < 0.001) and ileus and postoperative peritonitis in comparison to severe acute pancreatitis associated with decreased mortality (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.4; p < 0.001; OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.8; p = 0.009). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed increased survival in patients treated with VACM in comparison with other TAC methods (LogRank p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

We report superior role for VACM methodology in terms of successful primary fascial closure and increased survival in patients with OA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management, level IV.

Intra-abdominal Hypertension and the Open Abdomen: Nursing Guidelines From the Abdominal Compartment Society

Intra-abdominal hypertension has been identified as an independent risk factor for death in critically ill patients. Known risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension indicate that intra-abdominal pressures should be measured and monitored. The Abdominal Compartment Society has identified medical and surgical interventions to relieve intra-abdominal hypertension or to manage the open abdomen if abdominal compartment syndrome occurs. The purpose of this article is to describe assessments and interventions for managing intra-abdominal hypertension and open abdomen that are within the scope of practice for direct-care nurses. These guidelines provide direction to critical care nurses caring for these patients.

Early re-laparotomy for patients with high-grade liver injury after damage-control surgery and perihepatic packing

Purpose

The likelihood of re-bleeding after damage-control surgery (DCS) and perihepatic packing for high-grade liver injuries is a major concern. Thus, although early re-laparotomy tends to be recommended, we conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility of performing definite laparotomy within ≤ 48 h in this clinical population.

Methods

The subjects of this retrospective study were 65 patients (n = 24, ≤ 48-h group; n = 41, > 48-h group) who underwent DCS and perihepatic packing. The primary outcome was the rate of repacking for bleeding during re-laparotomy and the secondary outcomes were mortality and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Results

The ≤ 48-h group had a higher rate of angioembolization and transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs), fresh frozen plasma, and platelets, but the rates of repacking and mortality were not significantly different between the groups. However, the incidence of pneumonia and ventilation support requirement were significantly lower in the ≤ 48-h group than in the > 48-h group.

Conclusion

The re-laparotomy performed within ≤ 48 h after DCS and perihepatic packing is feasible for patients with high grade liver injury, using angioembolization and aggressive transfusion, as required. Early re-laparotomy reduces the need for prolonged ventilator support and the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Closing Contaminated Fascial Defects With Synthetic Mesh and a Vacuum-Assisted Closure Device

BACKGROUND

The use of synthetic mesh is considered too high risk, and therefore, not an option when closing a contaminated abdominal fascial defect. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes when using synthetic mesh combined with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressing to close these facial defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2010 to 2016, a retrospective review was performed, including 34 patients in a single rural trauma center who underwent a damage control laparotomy in the presence of a contaminated or infected field. Definitive abdominal closure with a bridging polypropylene mesh along with the application of a VAC dressing was done in all cases. Data collection included baseline demographics, operative indication, postoperative complications, mortality and length of follow up.

RESULTS

Median age of the patients was 67 y (IQR 40-87 y), with 22 (65%) being male at the time of operation. The median duration of clinical follow-up was 15.15 mo. The observed complications included three fistulas, two hernias, nine draining sinus tracts, and three mesh explanations with an overall complication rate of 41.1%. Although the absolute observed fistula rate was 8.8% (3 cases), the adjusted mesh-related fistulas formation rate after chart review was 0.0%. No mortalities were attributed directly to mesh-related complication.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no mesh-related fistulas when using a synthetic mesh along with a VAC dressing for abdominal closure in a contaminated field. These results may provide a platform for further study regarding the safety of this technique.

More medications, more problems: results from the Sedation Level after Emergent Exlap with Packing for TRAUMA (SLEEP-TRAUMA) study

Purpose

Sedation management of trauma patients after damage control laparotomy (DCL) has not been optimized. We evaluated if shorter sedation exposure was associated with increased proportion of delirium-free/coma-free (DF/CF-ICU) days and change in time to definitive fascial closure (DFC).

Methods

We reviewed trauma DCL patients at an ACS-verified level I center over 5 years as shorter (SE) or longer than median (LE) sedation exposure. We compared demographics, injury patterns, hemodynamic parameters, and injury severity between groups. We calculated the propensity for each patient to achieve DFC using age, gender, ISS, red blood cell transfusion, bowel discontinuity, abdominal vascular injury, and time to first takeback; we then determined the effect of sedation exposure on rate of DFC by multivariate Cox regression, adjusted for propensity to achieve DFC. We used linear regression adjusted for age, ISS, head-AIS, bowel discontinuity, and vascular injury to determine the effect of sedation exposure on the proportion of DF/CF-ICU days.

Results

65 patients (33.8% penetrating) had mean age 41.8 ± 16.0, ISS 27.1 ± 14.2, Head-AIS 1.2 ± 1.6 and median sedation exposure of 2.2 [IQR 0.78, 7.3] days (35 SE and 30 LE). Pattern and severity of solid organ injuries and proportion of small and large bowel and vascular injuries were similar between groups. LE had more abdominal sepsis (23.3% vs 0%, p = 0.003) and enterocutaneous fistula (16.7% vs 0%, p = 0.016), and more ventilator (17.3 ± 12.7 vs 6.1 ± 6.8, p < 0.001), ICU (20.8 ± 14.2 vs 7.2 ± 7.6, p < 0.001), and hospital days (29.6 ± 19.6 vs 13.9 ± 9.0, p < 0.001). DFC was achieved more rapidly in the SE group (2.0 ± 1.5 days vs 3.9 ± 3.7 days [unadjusted], p = 0.023) and SE had a higher proportion of unadjusted DF/CF-ICU days (33.0 ± 32.0% vs 18.1 ± 16.4%, p = 0.020).

SE was associated with an increased proportion of adjusted DF/CF-ICU days by multivariate linear regression (13.1% [95% CI 1.4–24.8%], p = 0.029) and with faster adjusted rate of DFC by multivariate Cox regression (RR 2.28 [95% CI 1.25–4.15, p = 0.007]).

Conclusions

Shorter sedation exposure is associated with increased proportion of DF/CF-ICU days and more rapid DFC after DCL for trauma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00068-020-01524-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Case report: Total enterectomy following complete small bowel ischaemia in the post-peritonectomy setting

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Small bowel resection following total ischaemia is feasible post-peritonectomy.

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VAC dressing and skin grafting was beneficial following wound dehiscence.

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Small bowel transplant is a potential means to avoid complications of long-term TPN.

Introduction

This report presents the rare case of a patient with complete bowel ischaemia following parastomal hernia, leading to total bowel resection, with consideration of post-operative complications and wound management.

Presentation of case

A 59 year old female was found to have complete small bowel ischaemia on exploratory laparatomy, on a background of recurrent appendiceal adenomucinosis, for which she had received previous peritonectomy, cholecystectomy, total colectomy, and partial small bowel resection. The patient was managed with total enterectomy and post-operative total parenteral nutrition.

Discussion

Total enterectomy represents a significant challenge in the postperitonectomy setting, including consideration of wound management with the empty abdomen, and the potential of small bowel transplant in management.

Conclusion

Resection of the small bowel following total small bowel ischaemia is feasible in the post-peritonectomy setting, given appropriate post-operative care and wound management. However, long-term survival remains challenging, especially without small bowel transplant.

The Abdominal Re-Approximation Anchor device (ABRA®) has the potential to be useful in both emergency and elective dynamic temporary fascial closure

BACKGROUND

The management of an open abdomen (OA) remains an evolving field because of its relative rarity. Many techniques to achieve temporary abdominal closure exist, but often require multiple returns to the operating theatre and usually do not address the issue of lateral fascial retraction and do not achieve primary fascial closure (PFC). The ensuing incisional hernias result in a significant surgical challenge affecting both the physical and mental health of the patient. We describe our experience with the Abdominal Re-approximation Anchor (ABRA) device, which addresses some of these issues.

METHODS

The records of patients with an OA managed by a single surgeon using the ABRA device at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia, between December 2014 and April 2020 were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Six patients with OA were managed with the ABRA. All patients required an OA for the ramification of intraabdominal sepsis. Three patients were managed with the ABRA device electively and three in the acute setting. 100% of patients achieved PFC. Average follow-up was 40 months with three developing incisional hernias that were subsequently repaired.

CONCLUSION

The OA in critically ill surgical patients remains one of the most challenging problems in general surgery. The ABRA device is simple to use and has shown positive outcomes in both the acute and elective setting. Our use has resulted in 100% PFC, which demonstrates that the ABRA device is an important tool for the general surgeon in managing these complex cases.

The Need for Emergency Laparotomy With Open Abdomen Therapy in the Course of ECMO-A Retrospective Analysis of Course and Outcome

Background: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) can occur in patients placed on extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This implies the necessity of decompressive laparotomy followed by an open abdomen (OA) to prevent complications such as multi-organ-failure or death.

Methods: We searched for ECMO patients in our hospital database between July 2015 and April 2020 and selected those with an emergency laparotomy and OA therapy. Of these, we analyzed only patients who were treated with an OA after establishing the ECMO regarding patient-related parameters like sex, age, height, weight, and indications for ECMO as well as outcome parameters like complete fascial closure rate, mortality, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), length and kind of OA therapy, number of surgical procedures, dressing changes concerning negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and number of surgical revisions.

Results: In eight out of 421 patients (1.9%), a laparostoma had to be created during ECMO support. For temporary closure, either NPWT, abdominal packing, or both were used. The median length of OA therapy was 17 days, and the median length of stay in ICU was 42 days in total. The median number of surgical procedures and NPWT dressing changes was seven. In three of the eight patients, a surgical revision was necessary. The total mortality rate was 50%. In 75%, the fascia could be closed. Two patients died before final closure. In all deceased patients, an abdominal packing was necessary during the course of treatment; in the survivors, only once. No enteroatmospheric fistula or abscesses occurred.

Conclusions: ACS in patients placed on ECMO is a very rare condition with a considerable mortality rate but high secondary closure rate of the fascia. A necessary abdominal packing due to a severe bleeding seems to be a risk factor with a potentially fatal outcome.

The Bucharest ESTES consensus statement on peritonitis

INTRODUCTION

Peritonitis is still an important health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with peritonitis may be an important factor to reduce the risks for patients and improve efficiency, outcome, and the cost of care.

METHODS

Expert panel discussion on Peritonitis was held in Bucharest on May 2017, during the 17th ECTES Congress, involving surgeons, infectious disease specialists, radiologists and intensivists with the goal of defining recommendations for the optimal management of peritonitis.

CONCLUSION

This document is an updated presentation of management of peritonitis and represents the summary of the final recommendations approved by a panel of experts.

Trends in open abdomen management in Italy: a subgroup analysis from the IROA project

Use of open abdomen (OA) progressively acquired increasing importance with the diffusion of the damage control management of critical patients. The purpose of the present study is to identify the state of the art about the use of OA in Italy, focusing on techniques, critical issues and clinical outcomes. A prospective analysis of adult patients enrolled in the IROA, limited to the Italian participating centres was performed. 375 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 64 ± 16 years old, 56% of the patients were male, mean BMI was 26.9 ± 5.2. Main indications for using OA were secondary peritonitis (32.5%), post-operative peritonitis (22.9%) and trauma (11.7%). Main OA techniques used were commercial negative pressure wound therapy (49.6%) and Bogotà bag (27.7%). Definitive closure of the abdomen was reached in 82.4% of patients after 6 ± 7 days of OA. The primary fascia closure rate was 84.7%. Overall mortality was 29.1%. The complication rate was 50.8%, with an enteroatmospheric fistula incidence: 7.5%. A univariate analysis performed on complication type found the duration of OA treatment (p = 0.024) to be statistically significant. Univariate analysis on mortality risk identified as significant age, duration of OA (in days) and pancreatitis as indication; multivariate analysis confirmed age (p < 0.001) and pancreatitis (p = 0.002) as statistically significant. A large variety of behaviours towards the patient requiring OA exists. A strong acceptance of common, recognized and evidence-based guidelines is essential, to obtain more uniformity in patient management and coherence of collected data, thus leading to improvement in outcomes and reduction of costs.

A preliminary prospective study of patients who underwent vacuum-assisted and mesh-mediated fascial traction techniques for open abdomen management with negative fluid therapy: An observational study

It is unclear whether strategies targeting negative fluid balance are associated with facilitated early fascial closure. The present study investigated the effects of fluid removal therapy on early facial closure of open abdomen patients.A prospective study was conducted in patients who underwent open abdomen management with vacuum-assisted and mesh-mediated fascial traction technique. Therapeutic diuresis with torasemide was applied to cause negative fluid balance in the treatment group. The study and follow-up periods were 7 and 180 days, respectively. The observational indices included the intra-abdominal pressure, the number of days to closure, the type of closure, the septic complications, the duration of ventilation support, the duration of initial hospital stay, and the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay.A total of 27 patients were divided into the treatment (16 patients) and control (11 patients) groups. The median intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of the patients of the control and the treatment groups was significantly lower at day 7 compared with the baseline value (P < .0001). IAP was lower in the treatment group compared with that noted in the control group, following day 4 of the fluid removal therapy (P < .05). The percentage weight loss in the treatment group was between 4.80% and 10.88%. The early closure rates were significantly higher in the treatment group compared with those in the control group (75.0% vs 18.2%, P = .0063).Fluid removal therapy combined with vacuum-assisted and mesh-mediated fascial traction provided a high early fascial closure rate for open abdomen patients.

A differentiated approach to repeat small-bowel anastomoses in patients with postoperative peritonitis: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative peritonitis still remains the cause of a high mortality rate in emergency abdominal surgery. Here we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different surgical strategies for small-bowel perforations that resulted in postoperative peritonitis.

METHODS

Surgical management results for 140 patients with postoperative peritonitis due to small-bowel perforations, necrosis and anastomotic leakage were comparatively analyzed. Using the APACHE-II and MPI scoring systems, different surgeon attitudes were examined in three patient groups (primary anastomosis, delayed anastomosis, and enterostomy).

RESULTS

The surgical approach in patient group I (n = 47, APACHE-II 11.7 ± 1.2, MPI 14.7 ± 1.3) involved the closure of small-bowel perforations or small-bowel resection to place primary anastomosis. The mortality rate was 17%. Patient group II (n = 48, APACHE-II 16.8 ± 0.7, MPI 19.3 ± 0.3) underwent delayed small-bowel anastomosis during planned relaparotomies. The mortality rate was 18.8%. Because patients in patient group III (n = 45, APACHE-II 22.3 ± 1.3, MPI 24.6 ± 1.2) were in very critical condition, anastomoses were not placed after bowel resection, and the surgical procedure was completed with enterostomy. The highest mortality rate of 37.8% was documented in this patient group.

CONCLUSION

The differentiated surgical approach undertaken herein using delayed small-bowel anastomosis in more serious patients with postoperative peritonitis was able to mitigate the risk of recurrent anastomotic leaks and was not accompanied by a considerable rise in mortality. The mortality for primary repair and delayed primary closure was basically the same (17.0% and 18.8%, p = 0.03); however, delayed anastomosis in the patients with postoperative peritonitis at higher APACHE-II and MPI scores for severity of illness showed 15.1% less complications in the form of anastomotic leaks (p = 0.04).

Chinese Trauma Surgeon Association for management guidelines of vacuum sealing drainage application in abdominal surgeries-Update and systematic review

Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) is frequently used in abdominal surgeries. However, relevant guidelines are rare. Chinese Trauma Surgeon Association organized a committee composed of 28 experts across China in July 2017, aiming to provide an evidence-based recommendation for the application of VSD in abdominal surgeries. Eleven questions regarding the use of VSD in abdominal surgeries were addressed: (1) which type of materials should be respectively chosen for the intraperitoneal cavity, retroperitoneal cavity and superficial incisions? (2) Can VSD be preventively used for a high-risk abdominal incision with primary suture? (3) Can VSD be used in severely contaminated/infected abdominal surgical sites? (4) Can VSD be used for temporary abdominal cavity closure under some special conditions such as severe abdominal trauma, infection, liver transplantation and intra-abdominal volume increment in abdominal compartment syndrome? (5) Can VSD be used in abdominal organ inflammation, injury, or postoperative drainage? (6) Can VSD be used in the treatment of intestinal fistula and pancreatic fistula? (7) Can VSD be used in the treatment of intra-abdominal and extra-peritoneal abscess? (8) Can VSD be used in the treatment of abdominal wall wounds, wound cavity, and defects? (9) Does VSD increase the risk of bleeding? (10) Does VSD increase the risk of intestinal wall injury? (11) Does VSD increase the risk of peritoneal adhesion? Focusing on these questions, evidence-based recommendations were given accordingly. VSD was strongly recommended regarding the questions 2-4. Weak recommendations were made regarding questions 1 and 5-11. Proper use of VSD in abdominal surgeries can lower the risk of infection in abdominal incisions with primary suture, treat severely contaminated/infected surgical sites and facilitate temporary abdominal cavity closure.

Open Abdomen in Trauma and Critical Care

The open abdomen technique and temporary abdominal closure after damage control surgery is fast becoming the standard of care for managing intra-abdominal bleeding and infectious or ischemic processes in critically ill patients. Expansion of this technique has evolved from damage control surgery in severely injured trauma patients to use in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome due to acute pancreatitis and other disorders. Subsequent therapies after use of the open abdomen technique and temporary abdominal closure are resuscitation in the intensive care unit and planned reoperation to manage the underlying cause of bleeding, infection, or ischemia. Determining the need for this potentially lifesaving intervention and managing the wound after the open abdomen has been created are all within the realm of critical care nurses. Case studies illustrate the implementation of the open abdomen technique and patient management strategies.

Impact of initial temporary abdominal closure in damage control surgery: a retrospective analysis

Background

Damage control surgery has revolutionized trauma surgery. Use of damage control surgery allows for resuscitation and reversal of coagulopathy at the risk of loss of abdominal domain and intra-abdominal complications. Temporary abdominal closure is possible with multiple techniques, the choice of which may affect ability to achieve primary fascial closure and further complication.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all trauma patients requiring damage control laparotomy upon admission to an ACS-verified level one trauma center from 2011 to 2016 was performed. Demographic and clinical data including ability and time to attain primary fascial closure, as well as complication rates, were recorded. The primary outcome measure was ability to achieve primary fascial closure during initial hospitalization.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-nine patients met criteria for inclusion. Primary skin closure (57.7%), ABThera™ VAC system (ABT) (15.1%), Bogota bag (BB) (25.1%), or a modified Barker's vacuum-packing (BVP) (2.1%) were used in the initial laparotomy. Patients receiving skin-only closure had significantly higher rates of primary fascial closure and lower hospital mortality, but also significantly lower mean lactate, base deficit, and requirement for massive transfusion. Between ABT or BB, use of ABT was associated with increased rates of fascial closure. Multivariate regression revealed primary skin closure to be significantly associated with primary fascial closure while BB was associated with failure to achieve fascial closure.

Conclusions

Primary skin closure is a viable option in the initial management of the open abdomen, although these patients demonstrated less injury burden in our study. Use of vacuum-assisted dressings continues to be the preferred method for temporary abdominal closure in damage control surgery for trauma.

The long-term outcomes of early abdominal wall reconstruction by bilateral anterior rectus abdominis sheath turnover flap method in critically ill patients requiring open abdomen

Background

In a previous study, we reported the usefulness of early abdominal wall reconstruction using bilateral anterior rectus abdominis sheath turnover flap method (turnover flap method) in open abdomen (OA) patients in whom early primary fascial closure was difficult to achieve. However, the long-term outcomes have not been elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the procedure, particularly in terms of ventral hernia, pain, and daily activities.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2013, 15 consecutive patients requiring OA after emergency laparotomy and in whom turnover flap method was applied were retrospectively identified. The long-term outcomes were evaluated based on medical records, physical examinations, CT imaging, and a ventral hernia pain questionnaire (VHPQ).

Results

The turnover flap method was applied in 2 trauma and 13 non-trauma patients.In most of cases, primary fascial closure could not be achieved due to massive visceral edema. The turnover flap method was performed for abdominal wall reconstruction at the end of OA. The median duration of OA was 6 (range 1-42) days. One of the 15 patients died of multiple organ failure during initial hospitalization after the performance of the turnover flap method. Fourteen patients survived, and although wound infection was observed in 3 patients, none showed enteric fistula, abdominal abscess, graft infection, or ventral hernia during hospitalization. However, it was found that 1 patient developed ventral hernia during follow-up at an outpatient visit. Nine of 14 patients were alive and able to be evaluated with a VHPQ (follow-up period: median 10 years; range 3-15 years). Seven out of nine patients were satisfied with this procedure, and none complained of pain or were limited in their daily activities.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, early abdominal reconstruction using the turnover flap method can be considered to be safe and effective as an alternative technique for OA patients in whom primary fascial closure is considered difficult to achieve.

Management of the Open Abdomen

Management of the abdominal catastrophe requires a multidisciplinary approach. The plastic surgeon is a key member of the surgical team assisting in the creation of a durable, functional anatomic abdominal wall reconstruction. Plastic surgeons must be familiar with the concepts and pathophysiology related to the open abdomen, techniques for temporary abdominal closure, and when such techniques are appropriate to implement. In this article, the authors provide a review of the open abdomen concept, which practicing plastic surgeons and trainees may find helpful if faced with this clinical scenario.

Analysis for Patient Survival after Open Abdomen for Torso Trauma and the Impact of Achieving Primary Fascial Closure: A Single-Center Experience

Open abdomen indicates the abdominal fascia is unclosed to abbreviate surgery and to reduce physiological stress. However, complications and difficulties in patient care are often encountered after operation. During May 2008 to March 2013, we performed a prospective protocol-directed observation study regarding open abdomen use in trauma patients. Bogota bag is the temporary abdomen closure initially but negative pressure dressing is used later. A goal-directed ICU care is applied and primary fascial closure is the primary endpoint. There were 242 patients received laparotomy after torso trauma and 84 (34.7%) had open abdomen. Twenty patients soon died within one day and were excluded. Among the included 64 patients, there were 49 (76.6%) males and the mean Injury Severity Score was 31.7. Uncontrolled bleeding was the major indication for open abdomen (64.1%) and the average duration of open abdomen was about 4.2 ± 2.2 days. After treatment, 53(82.8%) had primary fascia closure, which is significant for patient survival (odds ratio 21.6; 95% confidence interval: 3.27–142, p = 0.0014). Factors related to failed primary fascia closure are profound shock during operation, high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score in ICU and inadequate urine amount at first 48 hours admission.

A Novel Closure Technique for Complex Abdominal Wounds

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal wound closure is a challenge in patients undergoing colorectal surgery with a complex history of multiple abdominopelvic operations. Loss of domain of the abdominal fascia because of prior laparotomies precludes the use of simple, everyday abdominal wound closure techniques. Furthermore, ongoing intra-abdominal sepsis, with or without a concurrent entero- or colocutaneous fistula, increases the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in this patient population. We propose an abdominal wound closure technique for patients with multiple previous complex operations and subsequent ongoing abdominopelvic sepsis.

TECHNIQUE

Following completion of the intra-abdominal component of the operation, the abdominal wall fascial edges are identified and mobilized to allow for a smooth skin closure. The skin is brought together with a small amount of subcutaneous tissue in the abdominal wound line and sutured with a 1.0 Prolene stitch by using the vertical mattress technique. For both wound edges, a dental roll is inserted between the entry and exit points of the suture, with the suture material placed above and over the dental roll, and thus the dental roll is incorporated within the stitch when it is tied down. These stitches and dental rolls are placed along the length of the wound. No mesh is utilized, and the technique achieves skin closure with development of a subsequent ventral hernia.

RESULTS

Good postoperative short-term and long-term overall outcomes were achieved in 14 patients who underwent complex abdominal wound closure. Two patients required further late operative intervention because of the incarceration of the known ventral hernia (at 34 and 120 months postoperatively).

CONCLUSIONS

Complex abdominal wound closure in this setting is safe and feasible to achieve a healthy abdominal wall closure and enable healing by primary intention after colorectal surgery.

Elastic TPU Mesh as Abdominal Wall Inlay Significantly Reduces Defect Size in a Minipig Model

Background: The open abdomen with mesh implantation, followed by early reoperation with fascial closure, is a modern surgical approach in difficult clinical situations such as severe abdominal sepsis. As early fascial closure is not possible in many cases, mesh-mediated fascial traction is helpful for conditioning of a minimized ventral hernia after open abdomen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utilization of an innovative elastic thermoplastic polyurethane mesh (TPU) as an abdominal wall inlay in a minipig model. Methods: Ten minipigs were divided in two groups, either receiving an elastic TPU mesh or a nonelastic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh in inlay position of the abdominal wall. After 8 weeks, mesh expansion and abdominal wall defect size were measured. Finally, pigs were euthanized and abdominal walls were explanted for histological and immunohistochemical assessment. Results: Eight weeks after abdominal wall replacement, transversal diameter of the fascial defect in the TPU group was significantly smaller than in the PVDF group (4.5 cm vs. 7.4 cm; p = 0.047). Immunhistochemical analysis showed increased Ki67 positive cells (p = 0.003) and a higher number of apoptotic cells (p = 0.047) after abdominal wall replacement with a TPU mesh. Collagen type I/III ratio was increased in the PVDF group (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Implantation of an elastic TPU mesh as abdominal wall inlay is a promising approach to reduce the size of the ventral hernia after open abdomen by mesh-mediated traction. However, this effect was associated with a slightly increased foreign body reaction in comparison to the nonelastic PVDF.

The open abdomen in trauma and non-trauma patients: WSES guidelines

Damage control resuscitation may lead to postoperative intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome. These conditions may result in a vicious, self-perpetuating cycle leading to severe physiologic derangements and multiorgan failure unless interrupted by abdominal (surgical or other) decompression. Further, in some clinical situations, the abdomen cannot be closed due to the visceral edema, the inability to control the compelling source of infection or the necessity to re-explore (as a "planned second-look" laparotomy) or complete previously initiated damage control procedures or in cases of abdominal wall disruption. The open abdomen in trauma and non-trauma patients has been proposed to be effective in preventing or treating deranged physiology in patients with severe injuries or critical illness when no other perceived options exist. Its use, however, remains controversial as it is resource consuming and represents a non-anatomic situation with the potential for severe adverse effects. Its use, therefore, should only be considered in patients who would most benefit from it. Abdominal fascia-to-fascia closure should be done as soon as the patient can physiologically tolerate it. All precautions to minimize complications should be implemented.

The long-term outcomes of early abdominal wall reconstruction by bilateral anterior rectus abdominis sheath turnover flap method in critically ill patients requiring open abdomen

BACKGROUND

In a previous study, we reported the usefulness of early abdominal wall reconstruction using bilateral anterior rectus abdominis sheath turnover flap method (turnover flap method) in open abdomen (OA) patients in whom early primary fascial closure was difficult to achieve. However, the long-term outcomes have not been elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the procedure, particularly in terms of ventral hernia, pain, and daily activities.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2013, 15 consecutive patients requiring OA after emergency laparotomy and in whom turnover flap method was applied were retrospectively identified. The long-term outcomes were evaluated based on medical records, physical examinations, CT imaging, and a ventral hernia pain questionnaire (VHPQ).

RESULTS

The turnover flap method was applied in 2 trauma and 13 non-trauma patients.In most of cases, primary fascial closure could not be achieved due to massive visceral edema. The turnover flap method was performed for abdominal wall reconstruction at the end of OA. The median duration of OA was 6 (range 1-42) days. One of the 15 patients died of multiple organ failure during initial hospitalization after the performance of the turnover flap method. Fourteen patients survived, and although wound infection was observed in 3 patients, none showed enteric fistula, abdominal abscess, graft infection, or ventral hernia during hospitalization. However, it was found that 1 patient developed ventral hernia during follow-up at an outpatient visit. Nine of 14 patients were alive and able to be evaluated with a VHPQ (follow-up period: median 10 years; range 3-15 years). Seven out of nine patients were satisfied with this procedure, and none complained of pain or were limited in their daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, early abdominal reconstruction using the turnover flap method can be considered to be safe and effective as an alternative technique for OA patients in whom primary fascial closure is considered difficult to achieve.

The role of open abdomen in non-trauma patient: WSES Consensus Paper

The open abdomen (OA) is defined as intentional decision to leave the fascial edges of the abdomen un-approximated after laparotomy (laparostomy). The abdominal contents are potentially exposed and therefore must be protected with a temporary coverage, which is referred to as temporal abdominal closure (TAC). OA use remains widely debated with many specific details deserving detailed assessment and clarification. To date, in patients with intra-abdominal emergencies, the OA has not been formally endorsed for routine utilization; although, utilization is seemingly increasing. Therefore, the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), Abdominal Compartment Society (WSACS) and the Donegal Research Academy united a worldwide group of experts in an international consensus conference to review and thereafter propose the basis for evidence-directed utilization of OA management in non-trauma emergency surgery and critically ill patients. In addition to utilization recommendations, questions with insufficient evidence urgently requiring future study were identified.

Intraabdominal Hypertension, Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, and the Open Abdomen

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is the end point of a process whereby massive interstitial swelling in the abdomen or rapid development of a space-filling lesion in the abdomen (such as ascites or a hematoma) leads to pathologically increased pressure. This results in so-called intraabdominal hypertension (IAH), causing decreased perfusion of the kidneys and abdominal viscera and possible difficulties with ventilation and maintenance of cardiac output. These effects contribute to a cascade of ischemia and multiple organ dysfunction with high mortality. A few primary disease processes traditionally requiring large-volume crystalloid resuscitation account for most cases of IAH and ACS. Once IAH is recognized, nonsurgical steps to decrease intraabdominal pressure (IAP) can be undertaken (diuresis/dialysis, evacuation of intraluminal bowel contents, and sedation), although the clinical benefit of such therapies remains largely conjectural. Surgical decompression with midline laparotomy is the standard ultimate treatment once ACS with organ dysfunction is established. There is minimal primary literature on the pathophysiological underpinnings of IAH and ACS and few prospective randomized trials evaluating their treatment or prevention; this concise review therefore provides only brief summaries of these topics. Many modern studies nominally dealing with IAH or ACS are simply epidemiologic surveys on their incidence, so this paper summarizes the incidence of IAH and ACS in a variety of disease states. Especially emphasized is the fact that modern critical care paradigms emphasize rational limitations to fluid resuscitation, which may have contributed to an apparent decrease in ACS among critically ill patients.

Treatments and other prognostic factors in the management of the open abdomen: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The open abdomen (OA) is an important approach for managing intra-abdominal catastrophes and continues to be the standard of care. Despite this, challenges remain with it associated with a high incidence of complications and poor outcomes. The objective of this article is to perform a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify prognostic factors in OA patients in regard to definitive fascial closure (DFC), mortality and intra-abdominal complications.

METHODS

An electronic database search was conducted involving Medline, Excerpta Medica, Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing, and Allied Health Literature and Clinicaltrials.gov. All studies that described prognostic factors in regard to the above outcomes in OA patients were eligible for inclusion. Data collected were synthesized by each outcome of interest and assessed for methodological quality.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies were included in the final synthesis. Enteral nutrition, organ dysfunction, local and systemic infection, number of reexplorations, worsening Injury Severity Score, and the development of a fistula appeared to significantly delay DFC. Age and Adult Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation version II score were predictors for in-hospital mortality. Failed DFC, large bowel resection and >5 to 10 L of intravenous fluids in <48 hours were predictors of enteroatmospheric fistula. The source of infection (small bowel as opposed to colon) was a predictor for ventral hernia. Large bowel resection, >5 to 10 and >10 L of intravenous fluids in <48 hours were predictors of intra-abdominal abscess. Fascial closure on (or after) day 5 and having a bowel anastomosis were predictors for anastomotic leak. Overall methodological quality was of a moderate level.

LIMITATIONS

Overall methodological quality, high number of retrospective studies, low reporting of prognostic factors and the multitude of factors potentially affecting patient outcome that were not analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Careful selection and management of OA patients will avoid prolonged treatment and facilitate early DFC. Future research should focus on the development of a prognostic model.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, level III.

Temporary abdominal closure for trauma and intra-abdominal sepsis: Different patients, different outcomes

BACKGROUND

Temporary abdominal closure (TAC) after damage control surgery (DCS) for injured patients has been generalized to septic patients. However, direct comparisons between these populations are lacking. We hypothesized that patients with intra-abdominal sepsis would have different resuscitation requirements and lower primary fascial closure rates than trauma patients.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a 3-year retrospective cohort analysis of patients managed with TAC for trauma (n = 77) or intra-abdominal sepsis (n = 147). All patients received negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) TAC with intention for planned relaparotomy and sequential abdominal closure attempts at 24- to 48-hour intervals.

RESULTS

At presentation, trauma patients had higher rates of hypothermia (31% vs. 18%), severe acidosis (27% vs. 14%), and coagulopathy (68% vs. 48%), and septic patients had higher vasopressor infusion rates (46% vs. 27%). Forty-eight hours after presentation, septic patients had persistently higher vasopressor infusion rates (37% vs. 17%), and trauma patients had received more red blood cell transfusions (6.0 U vs. 0.0 U), fresh frozen plasma (5.0 U vs. 0.0 U), and crystalloid (8,290 vs. 7,159 ml). Among patients surviving to discharge, trauma patients had higher primary fascial closure (PFC) rates (90% vs. 76%). For trauma patients, independent predictors of failure to achieve PCF were ≥2.5 L NPWT output at 48 hours, ≥10 L crystalloid administration at 48 hours, and ≥10 U PRBC + FFP at 48 hours. For septic patients, relaparotomy within 48 hours predicted successful PFC; requirement for ≥3 diagnostic/therapeutic laparotomies predicted failure to achieve PFC.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic injury and intra-abdominal sepsis are associated with distinct pathophysiologic insults, resuscitation requirements, and outcomes. Failure to achieve primary fascial closure in trauma patients was attributable to the triad of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy; failure to achieve fascial closure in septic patients was dependent upon operative course. Indications and optimal techniques for TAC may differ between these populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV; prognostic study, level III.

What is the effectiveness of the negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients treated with open abdomen technique? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The open abdomen technique may be used in critically ill patients to manage abdominal injury, reduce the septic complications, and prevent the abdominal compartment syndrome. Many different techniques have been proposed and multiple studies have been conducted, but the best method of temporary abdominal closure has not been determined yet. Recently, new randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials have been published on this topic. We aimed to perform an up-to-date systematic review on the management of open abdomen, including the most recent published randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, to compare negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with no NPWT and define if one technique has better outcomes than the other with regard to primary fascial closure, postoperative 30-day mortality and morbidity, enteroatmospheric fistulae, abdominal abscess, bleeding, and length of stay.

METHODS

According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, an online literature research (until July 1, 2015) was performed on MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Library databases. The MeSH terms and free words used "vacuum assisted closure" "vac;", "open abdomen", "damage control surgery", and "temporary abdominal closure". No language restriction was made.

RESULTS

The initial systematic literature search yielded 452 studies. After a careful assessment of the titles and of the full text was obtained, eight articles fulfilled inclusion criteria. We analyzed 1,225 patients, of whom 723 (59%) underwent NPWT and 502 (41%) did not undergo NPWT, and performed four subgroups: VAC versus Bogota bag technique (two studies, 106 participants), VAC versus mesh-foil laparostomy (two studies, 159 participants), VAC versus laparostomy (adhesive impermeable with midline zip) (one study, 106 participants), and NPWT versus no NPWT techniques (three studies, 854 participants) in which it is not possible to perform an analysis of the different types of treatment. Comparing the NPWT group and the group without NPWT, there was no statistically significant difference in fascial closure (63.5% vs 69.5%; odds ratio [OR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-2.06; p = 0.57), postoperative 30-day overall morbidity (p = 0.19), postoperative enteroatmospheric fistulae rate (2.1% vs 5.8%; OR, 0.63; 95% CIs, 0.12-3.15; p = 0.57), in the postoperative bleeding rate (5.7% vs 14.9%; OR, 0.58; 95% CIs, 0.05-6.84; p = 0.87), and postoperative abdominal abscess rate (2.4% vs 5.6%; OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.13-1.34; p = 0.14). On the other hand, statistical significance was found between the NPWT group and the group without NPWT in the postoperative mortality rate (28.5% vs 41.4%; OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23-0.91; p = 0.03) and in the length of stay in the intensive care unit (mean difference, -4.53; 95% CI, -5.46 to 3.60; p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

The limitations of the present analysis might be related to the lack of randomized controlled trials, so there is a risk of selection bias favoring NPWT. For several outcomes, there were few studies, confidence intervals were wide, and inconsistency was high, suggesting that although there were no statistically significant differences between the groups, there was insufficient evidence to show that the outcomes were similar. We can conclude from the current available data that NPWT seems to be associated with a trend toward better outcomes compared to the use of no NPWT. It does reflect the evidence presented in the current systematic review; however, the data should be interpreted with substantial caution given a number of weaknesses (in particular, the lack of statistical significance and heterogeneity between studies, i.e., small sample size of the included studies, high variability between studies). We highlight the need for randomized controlled trials having homogeneous inclusion criteria to assess the use of NPWT for the management of open abdomen.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systemic review/meta-analysis, level III.

Management of intra-abdominal infections: recommendations by the WSES 2016 consensus conference

This paper reports on the consensus conference on the management of intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) which was held on July 23, 2016, in Dublin, Ireland, as a part of the annual World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) meeting. This document covers all aspects of the management of IAIs. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendation is used, and this document represents the executive summary of the consensus conference findings.