The temporary abdominal closure techniques used for trauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The choice of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) method affects the prognosis of trauma patients. Previous studies on TAC are challenging to extrapolate due to data heterogeneity. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and comparison of various TAC techniques.

Methods

We accessed web-based databases for studies on the clinical outcomes of TAC techniques. Recognized techniques, including negative-pressure wound therapy with or without continuous fascial traction, skin tension, meshes, Bogota bags, and Wittman patches, were classified via a method of closure such as skin-only closure vs. patch closure vs. vacuum closure; and via dynamics of treatment like static therapy (ST) vs. dynamic therapy (DT). Study endpoints included in-hospital mortality, definitive fascial closure (DFC) rate, and incidence of intraabdominal complications.

Results

Among 1,065 identified studies, 37 papers comprising 2,582 trauma patients met the inclusion criteria. The vacuum closure group showed the lowest mortality (13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6%-19%) and a moderate DFC rate (74%; 95% CI, 67%-82%). The skin-only closure group showed the highest mortality (35%; 95% CI, 7%-63%) and the highest DFC rate (96%; 95% CI, 93%-99%). In the second group analysis, DT showed better outcomes than ST for all endpoints.

Conclusion

Vacuum closure was favorable in terms of in-hospital mortality, ventral hernia, and peritoneal abscess. Skin-only closure might be an alternative TAC method in carefully selected groups. DT may provide the best results; however, further studies are needed.

Management of the open abdomen: A systematic review with meta-analysis and practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma

BACKGROUND

Multiple techniques describe the management of the open abdomen (OA) and restoration of abdominal wall integrity after damage-control laparotomy (DCL). It is unclear which operative technique provides the best method of achieving primary myofascial closure at the index hospitalization.

METHODS

A writing group from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature regarding OA management strategies in the adult population after DCL. The group sought to understand if fascial traction techniques or techniques to reduce visceral edema improved the outcomes in these patients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was utilized, meta-analyses were performed, and an evidence profile was generated.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, the use of fascial traction techniques was associated with improved primary myofascial closure during the index admission (relative risk, 0.32) and fewer hernias (relative risk, 0.11.) The use of fascial traction techniques did not increase the risk of enterocutaneous fistula formation nor mortality. Techniques to reduce visceral edema may improve the rate of closure; however, these studies were very limited and suffered significant heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

We conditionally recommend the use of a fascial traction system over routine care when treating a patient with an OA after DCL. This recommendation is based on the benefit of improved primary myofascial closure without worsening mortality or enterocutaneous fistula formation. We are unable to make any recommendations regarding techniques to reduce visceral edema.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level IV.

Should Negative Pressure Therapy Replace Any Other Temporary Abdominal Closure Device in Open-Abdomen Management of Secondary Peritonitis?

AIM

To clarify the advantages of negative pressure therapy (NPT) compared to other methods of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) in the management of secondary peritonitis.

METHODS

We retraced the history of known methods of TAC, and analyzed their advantages and disadvantages. We evaluated as the NPT mechanisms, both from the macroscopic that bio-molecular point of view, well suits to manage this difficult condition.

RESULTS

The ideal TAC technique should be quick to apply, easy to change, protect and contain the abdominal viscera, decrease bowel edema, prevent loss of domain and abdominal compartment syndrome, limit contamination, allow egress of peritoneal fluid (and its estimation) and not result in adhesions. It should also be cost-effective, minimize the number of dressing changes and the number of surgical revisions, and ensure a high rate of early closure with a low rate of complications (especially entero-atmospheric fistula). For NPT, the reported fistula rate is 7%, primary fascial closure ranges from 33 to 100% (average 60%) and the mortality rate is about 20%. With the use of NPT as TAC, it may be possible to extend the window of time to achieve primary fascial closure (for up to 20-40 days).

CONCLUSION

NPT has several potential advantages in open-abdomen (OA) management of secondary peritonitis and may make it possible to achieve all the goals suggested above for an ideal TAC system. Only trained staff should use NPT, following the manufacturer's instructions when commercial products are used. Even if there was a significant evolution in OA management, we believe that further research into the role of NPT for secondary peritonitis is necessary.

New non-invasive device to promote primary closure of the fascia and prevent loss of domain in the open abdomen: a pilot study

Background

Primary closure of the fascia at the conclusion of a stage laparotomy can be a challenging task. Current techniques to medialize the fascial edges in open abdomens entail several trips to the operating room and could result in fascial damage. We conducted a pilot study to investigate a novel non-invasive device for gradual reapproximation of the abdominal wall fascia in the open abdomen.

Methods

Mechanically ventilated patients ≥16 years of age with the abdominal fascia deliberately left open after a midline laparotomy for trauma and acute care surgery were randomized into two groups. Control group patients underwent standard care with negative pressure therapy only. Device group patients were treated with negative pressure therapy in conjunction with the new device for fascial reapproximation. Exclusion criteria: pregnancy, traumatic hernias, pre-existing ventral hernias, burns, and body mass index ≥40 kg/m². The primary outcome was successful fascial closure by direct suture of the fascia without mesh or component separation. Secondary outcomes were abdominal wall complications.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were investigated, 20 in the device group and 18 in the control group. Primary closure of the fascia by direct suture without mesh or component separation was achieved in 17 patients (85%) in the device group and only 10 patients (55.6%) in the control group (p=0.0457). Device group patients were 53% more likely to experience primary fascial closure by direct suture than control group patients. Device group showed gradual reduction (p<0.005) in the size of the fascial defects; not seen in control group. There were no complications related to the device.

Conclusions

The new device applied externally on the abdominal wall promoted reapproximation of the fascia in the midline, preserved the integrity of the fascia, and improved primary fascial closure rate compared with negative pressure therapy system only.

Level of evidence

I, randomized controlled trial.

Prevention of Incisional Hernias after Open Abdomen Treatment

Management of a patient with an open abdomen is difficult, and the primary closure of the fascial edges is essential to obtain the best patient outcome, regardless of the initial etiology of the open abdomen. The use of temporary abdominal closure devices is nowadays the gold standard to have the highest closure rates with mesh-mediated fascial traction as the proposed standard of care. However, the incidence of incisional hernias, although much more controlled than when leaving an abdomen open, is high and reaches up to 65%. As shown for other high-risk patient subgroups, such as obese patients, patients with an abdominal aneurysm, and patients with former -ostomy sites, the prevention of incisional hernias might be key to further optimize patient outcomes after open abdomen treatment. In this overview, current available modalities to decrease the incidence of incisional hernia are discussed. Most of these preventive options have been shown effective in giant ventral hernia repair and might work effectively in this patient cohort with open abdomen as well.

Complications and Mortality Associated with Temporary Abdominal Closure Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Temporary abdominal closure (TAC) techniques are routinely used in the open abdomen. Ideally, they should prevent evisceration, aid in removal of unwanted fluid from the peritoneal cavity, facilitate in achieving safe definitive fascial closure, as well as prevent the development of intra-abdominal complications. TAC techniques used in the open abdomen were compared with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to identify which was superior. A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines involving Medline, Excerpta Medica, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Clinicaltrials.gov. All studies describing TAC technique use in the open abdomen were eligible for inclusion. Data were analyzed per TAC technique in the form of a meta-analysis. A total of 225 articles were included in the final analysis. A meta-analysis involving only randomized controlled trials showed that NPWT with continuous fascial closure was superior to NPWT alone for definitive fascial closure [mean difference (MD): 35% ± 23%; P = 0.0044]. A subsequent meta-analysis involving all included studies confirmed its superiority across outcomes for definitive fascial closure (MD: 19% ± 3%; P < 0.0001), perioperative (MD: -4.0% ± 2.4%; P = 0.0013) and in-hospital (MD: -5.0% ± 2.9%; P = 0.0013) mortality, entero-atmospheric fistula (MD: 22.0% ± 1.8%; P = 0.0041), ventral hernia (MD: -4.0% ± 2.4%; P = 0.0010), and intra-abdominal abscess (MD: -3.1% ± 2.1%; P = 0.0044). Therefore, it was concluded that NPWT with continuous fascial traction is superior to NPWT alone.

Evolution of Fascial Closure Optimization in Damage Control Laparotomy

Management of patients undergoing damage control laparotomy (DCL) involves many surgical, medical, and logistical factors. Ideal patient management optimizing fascial closure with regard to timing and closure techniques remains unclear. A retrospective review of patients undergoing DCL from 2000 to 2012 at an urban Level I trauma center was undertaken. Mortality of DCL decreased over the study period from 62.5 to 34.6 per cent, whereas enterocutaneous fistula rate decreased from 12.5 to 3.8 per cent. Delayed primary fascial closure rate improved from 22.2 to 88.2 per cent. Time to closure ( P < 0.001), time to first attempted closure ( P < 0.001), and number of explorations ( P < 0.001) were associated with ability to achieve delayed primary fascial closure. In subgroup analysis, achievement of delayed primary fascial closure was decreased with time to closure after one week (91.7% vs 52.0%, P = 0.002) and time to first attempted closure after two days (86.5% vs 70.0%, P = 0.042). In multivariate analysis, time to closure (odds ratio: 0.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.04–0.39; P < 0.001) and time to first attempted closure (odds ratio: 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.37–0.99; P = 0.046) were the only factors associated with achieving delayed primary fascial closure. Timing of attempted closure plays a significant role in attaining delayed primary fascial closure, highlighting the importance of early re-exploration.

Management and closure of the open abdomen after damage control laparotomy for trauma. A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Damage control laparotomy for trauma (DCL) entails immediate control of haemorrhage and contamination, temporary abdominal closure (TAC), a period of physiological stabilisation, then definitive repair of injuries. Although immediate primary fascial closure is desired, fascial retraction and visceral oedema may dictate an alternate approach. Our objectives were to systematically identify and compare methods for restoration of fascial continuity when primary closure is not possible following DCL for trauma, to simplify these into a standardised map, and describe the ideal measures of process and outcome for future studies.

METHODS

Cochrane, OVID (Medline, AMED, Embase, HMIC) and PubMed databases were accessed using terms: (traum*, damage control, abbreviated laparotomy, component separation, fascial traction, mesh closure, planned ventral hernia (PVH), and topical negative pressure (TNP)). Randomised Controlled Trials, Case Series and Cohort Studies reporting TAC and early definitive closure methods in trauma patients undergoing DCL were included. Outcomes were mortality, days to fascial closure, hospital length of stay, abdominal complications and delayed ventral herniation.

RESULTS

26 studies described and compared early definitive closure methods; delayed primary closure (DPC), component separation (CS) and mesh repair (MR), among patients with an open abdomen after DCL for trauma. A three phase map was developed to describe the temporal and sequential attributes of each technique. Significant heterogeneity in nomenclature, terminology, and reporting of outcomes was identified. Estimates for abdominal complications in DPC, MR and CS groups were 17%, 41% and 17% respectively, while estimates for mortality in DPC and MR groups were 6% and 0.5% (data heterogeneity and requirement of fixed and random effects models prevented significance assessment). Estimates for abdominal closure in the MR and DPC groups differed; 6.30 (95% CI=5.10-7.51), and 15.90 (95% CI=9.22-22.58) days respectively. Reporting poverty prevented subgroup estimate generation for ventral hernia and hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSION

Component separation or mesh repair may be valid alternatives to delayed primary closure following a trauma DCL. Comparisons were hampered by the lack of uniform reporting and bias. We propose a new system of standardised nomenclature and reporting for further investigation and management of the post-DCL open abdomen.

Inter-rater Variability Interferes with Reproducibility of Splenic Injury Grades Reported to the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma

The objective of this study was to determine reproducibility of our splenic injury grading data, previously reported to the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma for our most recent site visit. The institutional registry of a Level I trauma center was queried to identify adult patients presenting with blunt splenic injury between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. Original CT scans were scanned into the picture archiving and communication system and subsequently reviewed by four trauma surgeons and two radiologists for clinical impressions of splenic injury grade. Grades assigned by the clinician and the grade recorded in the registry were compared for inter-rater reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient, as a means of assessing variance of ordinal data. The intraclass correlation coefficient in our model was 0.77, which indicates that 77 per cent of the observed variance was due to true variance and 23 per cent of the variance was due to error. Variability in grading may, in some cases, underestimate injury severity and compromise the clinician's expectation of clinical outcome, both in real-time, as well as during retrospective review processes such as those used during the trauma center reverification process.

Techniques for Abdominal Wall Closure after Damage Control Laparotomy: From Temporary Abdominal Closure to Early/Delayed Fascial Closure-A Review

Open abdomen (OA) has been an effective treatment for abdominal catastrophes in traumatic and general surgery. However, management of patients with OA remains a formidable task for surgeons. The central goal of OA is closure of fascial defect as early as is clinically feasible without precipitating abdominal compartment syndrome. Historically, techniques such as packing, mesh, and vacuum-assisted closure have been developed to assist temporary abdominal closure, and techniques such as components separation, mesh-mediated traction, bridging fascial defect with permanent synthetic mesh, or biologic mesh have also been attempted to achieve early primary fascial closure, either alone or in combined use. The objective of this review is to present the challenges of these techniques for OA with a goal of early primary fascial closure, when the patient's physiological condition allows.

Successful management of abdominal wound dehiscence using a vacuum assisted closure system combined with mesh-mediated medial traction

Management of the open abdomen has advanced significantly in recent years with the increasing use of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) techniques leading to increased rates of fascial closure. We present the case of a patient who suffered two complete abdominal wall dehiscences after an elective laparotomy, meaning primary closure was no longer possible. She was treated successfully with a VAC system combined with continuous medial traction using a Prolene(®) mesh. This technique has not been described before in the management of patients following wound dehiscence.

Systematic review and evidence based recommendations for the use of negative pressure wound therapy in the open abdomen

INTRODUCTION

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is widely used in the management of the open abdomen despite uncertainty regarding several aspects of usage. An expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations describing the use of NPWT in the open abdomen.

METHODS

A systematic review was carried out to investigate the efficacy of a range of Temporary Abdominal Closure methods including variants of NPWT. Evidence-based recommendations were developed by an International Expert Panel and graded according to the quality of supporting evidence.

RESULTS

Pooled results, in non-septic patients showed a 72% fascial closure rate following use of commercial NPWT kits in the open abdomen. This increased to 82% by the addition of a 'dynamic' closure method. Slightly lower rates were showed with use of Wittmann Patch (68%) and home-made NPWT (vac-pack) (58%). Patients with septic complications achieved a lower rate of fascial closure than non-septic patients but NPWT with dynamic closure remained the best option to achieve fascial closure. Mortality rates were consistent and seemed to be related to the underlying medical condition rather than being influenced by the choice of dressing, Treatment goals for open abdomen were defined prior to developing eleven specific evidence-based recommendations suitable for different stages and grades of open abdomen.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The most efficient temporary abdominal closure techniques are NPWT kits with or without a dynamic closure procedure. Evidence-based recommendations will help to tailor its use in a complex treatment pathway for the individual patient.

Time to first take-back operation predicts successful primary fascial closure in patients undergoing damage control laparotomy

BACKGROUND

Failure to achieve primary fascial closure (PFC) after damage control laparotomy is costly and carries great morbidity. We hypothesized that time from the initial laparotomy to the first take-back operation would be predictive of successful PFC.

METHODS

Trauma patients managed with open abdominal techniques after damage control laparotomy were prospectively followed at 14 Level 1 trauma centers during a 2-year period. Time to the first take-back was evaluated as a predictor of PFC using hierarchical multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 499 patients underwent damage control laparotomy and were included in this analysis. PFC was achieved in 327 (65.5%) patients. Median time to the first take-back operation was 36 hours (interquartile range 24-48). After we adjusted for patient demographics, resuscitation volumes, and operative characteristics, increasing time to the first take-back was associated with a decreased likelihood of PFC. Specifically, each hour delay in return to the operating room (24 hours after initial laparotomy) was associated with a 1.1% decrease in the odds of PFC (odds ratio 0.989; 95% confidence interval 0.978-0.999; P = .045). In addition, there was a trend towards increased intra-abdominal complications in patients returning after 48 hours (odds ratio 1.80; 95% confidence interval 1.00-3.25; P = .05).

CONCLUSION

Data from this prospective, multicenter study demonstrate that delays in returning to the operating room after damage control laparotomy are associated with reductions in PFC. These findings suggest that emphasis should be placed on returning to the operating room within 24 hours after the initial laparotomy if possible (and no later than 48 hours).

Planned re-laparotomy and the need for optimization of physiology and immunology

Planned re-laparotomy or damage control laparotomy (DCL), first described by Dr. Harlan Stone in 1983, has become a widely utilized technique in a broad range of patients and operative situations. Studies have validated the use of DCL by demonstrating decreased mortality and morbidity in trauma, general surgery and abdominal vascular catastrophes. Indications for planned re-laparotomy include severe physiologic derangements, coagulopathy, concern for bowel ischemia, and abdominal compartment syndrome. The immunology of DCL patients is not well described in humans, but promising animal studies suggest a benefit from the open abdomen (OA) and several human trials on this subject are currently underway. Optimal critical care of patients with OA's, including sedation, paralysis, nutrition, antimicrobial and fluid management strategies have been associated with improved closure rates and recovery.

Abdominal damage control surgery and reconstruction: world society of emergency surgery position paper

Damage control laparotomy was first described by Dr. Harlan Stone in 1983 when he suggested that patients with severe trauma should have their primary procedures abbreviated when coagulopathy was encountered. He recommended temporizing patients with abdominal packing and temporary closure to allow restoration of normal physiology prior to returning to the operating room for definitive repair. The term damage control in the trauma setting was coined by Rotondo et al., in 1993. Studies in subsequent years have validated this technique by demonstrating decreased mortality and immediate post-operative complications. The indications for damage control laparotomy have evolved to encompass abdominal compartment syndrome, abdominal sepsis, vascular and acute care surgery cases. The perioperative critical care provided to these patients, including sedation, paralysis, nutrition, and fluid management strategies may improve closure rates and recovery. In the rare cases of inability to primarily close the abdomen, there are a number of reconstructive strategies that may be used in the acute and chronic phases of abdominal closure.

Staged management of the open abdomen and enteroatmospheric fistulae using split-thickness skin grafts

BACKGROUND

Management of the open abdomen with polyglactin 910 mesh followed by split-thickness skin grafts allows safe, early closure of abdominal wounds. This technique can be modified to manage enteroatmospheric fistulae. Staged ventral hernia is performed in a less inflamed surgical field.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 59 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal skin grafting for open abdominal wounds from 2001 to 2011.

RESULTS

The median length of follow-up was 215 days. Thirty-one percent of patients presented with preexisting enteroatmospheric fistulae, and 41% required polyglactin 910 mesh placement before skin grafting. Partial or complete skin graft failure occurred in 7 patients. Four patients required repeat skin grafting. All patients ultimately achieved abdominal wound closure, and none developed de novo fistulae.

CONCLUSIONS

With proper technique, skin grafting of the open abdomen with a planned ventral hernia repair is a safe and effective alternative to delayed primary closure.

Open abdomen management: a review of its history and a proposed management algorithm

In this review we look into the historical development of open abdomen management. Its indication has spread in 70 years from intra-abdominal sepsis to damage control surgery and abdominal compartment syndrome. Different temporary abdominal closure techniques are essential to benefit the potential advantages of open abdomen management. Here, we discuss the different techniques and provide a new treatment strategy, based on available evidence, to facilitate more consistent decision making and further research on this complicated surgical topic.

Options for closure of the infected abdomen

BACKGROUND

The infected abdomen poses substantial challenges to surgeons, and often, both temporary and definitive closure techniques are required. We reviewed the options available to close the abdominal wall defect encountered frequently during and after the management of complicated intra-abdominal infections.

METHODS

A comprehensive review was performed of the techniques and literature on abdominal closure in the setting of intra-abdominal infection.

RESULTS

Temporary abdominal closure options include the Wittmann Patch, Bogota bag, vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), the AbThera™ device, and synthetic or biologic mesh. Definitive reconstruction has been described with mesh, components separation, and autologous tissue transfer.

CONCLUSION

Reconstructing the infected abdomen, both temporarily and definitively, can be accomplished with various techniques, each of which is associated with unique advantages and disadvantages. Appropriate judgment is required to optimize surgical outcomes in these complex cases.

The open abdomen and temporary abdominal closure systems--historical evolution and systematic review

AIM

Several techniques for temporary abdominal closure have been developed. We systematically review the literature on temporary abdominal closure to ascertain whether the method can be tailored to the indication.

METHOD

Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and relevant meeting abstracts until December 2009 were searched using the following headings: open abdomen, laparostomy, VAC (vacuum assisted closure), TNP (topical negative pressure), fascial closure, temporary abdominal closure, fascial dehiscence and deep wound dehiscence. The data were analysed by closure technique and aetiology. The primary end-points included delayed fascial closure and in-hospital mortality. The secondary end-points were intra-abdominal complications.

RESULTS

The search identified 106 papers for inclusion. The techniques described were VAC (38 series), mesh/sheet (30 series), packing (15 series), Wittmann patch (eight series), Bogotá bag (six series), dynamic retention sutures (three series), zipper (15 series), skin only and locking device (one series each). The highest facial closure rates were seen with the Wittmann patch (78%), dynamic retention sutures (71%) and VAC (61%).

CONCLUSION

Temporary abdominal closure has evolved from simple packing to VAC based systems. In the absence of sepsis Wittmann patch and VAC offered the best outcome. In its presence VAC had the highest delayed primary closure and the lowest mortality rates. However, due to data heterogeneity only limited conclusions can be drawn from this analysis.

Surgical strategies for management of the open abdomen

Since the mid-1990s the surgical community has seen a surge in the prevalence of open abdomens (OAs) reported in the surgical literature and in clinical practice. The OA has proven to be effective in decreasing mortality and immediate postoperative complications; however, it may come at the cost of delayed morbidity and the need for further surgical procedures. Indications for leaving the abdomen open have broadened to include damage control surgery, abdominal compartment syndrome, and abdominal sepsis. The surgical options for management of the OA are now more diverse and sophisticated, but there is a lack of prospective randomized controlled trials demonstrating the superiority of any particular method. Additionally, critical care strategies for optimization of the patient with an OA are still being developed. Review of the literature suggests a bimodal distribution of primary closure rates, with early closure dependent on postoperative intensive care management and delayed closure more affected by the choice of the temporary abdominal closure technique. Invariably, a small fraction of patients requiring OA management fail to have primary fascial closure and require some form of biologic fascial bridge with delayed ventral hernia repair in the future.

The open abdomen: definitions, management principles, and nutrition support considerations

The use of the "open abdomen" as a technique in the management of the complex surgical patient stems from the concept of damage control. Damage control principles underscore the importance of an abbreviated laparotomy focused on control of hemorrhage and gastrointestinal contamination in patients presenting with significant physiologic compromise. Definitive repair of injuries is postponed and the abdomen is temporarily "closed" using one of a number of different techniques. The ultimate goal is formal abdominal fascial closure within 48-72 hours of the initial laparotomy. Frequently, daily trips to the operating room are required for incremental closure of the abdominal fascia. However, in some cases, fascial closure is not possible secondary to ongoing visceral edema and loss of the peritoneal domain. In these cases, the patient is left with an "open abdomen" until skin grafting over the exposed peritoneal organs can be performed. Patients with an open abdomen have peritoneal contents exposed to the atmosphere and require a complex dressing to maintain fascial domain and provide protection to exposed organs. These patients are typically critically ill and managed in the intensive care unit early in the disease process. The open abdomen has become an important tool for the management of physiologically unstable patients requiring emergent abdominal surgical procedures. These patients present unique challenges to the critical care and nutrition support teams. Careful attention to fluid and electrolyte management, meticulous wound care, prevention of enteroatmospheric fistula, and individualized nutrition support therapy are essential to successful recovery in this patient population.

Strategies for modulating the inflammatory response after decompression from abdominal compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND

Management of the open abdomen is an increasingly common part of surgical practice. The purpose of this review is to examine the scientific background for the use of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) in the open abdomen as a way to modulate the local and systemic inflammatory response, with an emphasis on decompression after abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

A review of the relevant English language literature was conducted. Priority was placed on articles published within the last 5 years.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Recent data from our group and others have begun to lay the foundation for the concept of TAC as a method to modulate the local and/or systemic inflammatory response in patients with an open abdomen resulting from ACS.

Postoperative neuromuscular blocker use is associated with higher primary fascial closure rates after damage control laparotomy

BACKGROUND

Failure to achieve fascial primary closure after damage control laparotomy (DCL) is associated with increased morbidity, higher healthcare expenditures, and a reduction in quality of life. The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) to facilitate closure remains controversial and poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to NMBA is associated a higher likelihood of primary fascial closure.

METHODS

All adult trauma patients admitted between January 2002 and May 2008 who (1) went directly to the operating room, (2) were managed initially by DCL, and (3) survived to undergo a second laparotomy. Study group (NMBA+): those receiving NMBA in the first 24 hours after DCL. Comparison group (NMBA-): those not receiving NMBA in the first 24 hours after DCL. Primary fascial closure defined as fascia-to-fascia approximation by hospital day 7.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-one patients met inclusion (92 in NMBA+ group, 99 in NMBA- group). Although the NMB+ patients were younger (31 years vs. 37 years, p = 0.009), there were no other differences in demographics, severity of injury, or lengths of stay between the groups. However, NMBA+ patients achieved primary closure faster (5.1 days vs. 3.5 days, p = 0.046) and were more likely to achieve closure by day 7 (93% vs. 83%, p = 0.023). After controlling for age, gender, race, mechanism, and severity of injury, logistic regression identified NMBA use as an independent predictor of achieving primary fascial closure by day 7 (OR, 3.24, CI: 1.15-9.16; p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Early NMBA use is associated with faster and more frequent achievement of primary fascial closure in patients initially managed with DCL. Patients exposed to NMBA had a three times higher likelihood of achieving primary fascial closure by hospital day 7.

Initial experience of laparostomy with immediate vacuum therapy in patients with severe peritonitis

INTRODUCTION

To report our initial experience of laparostomy and immediate intra-abdominal vacuum therapy in patients with severe peritonitis due to intra-abdominal catastrophes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients underwent emergency laparotomy and laparostomy formation with the application of immediate intra-abdominal TRAC-VAC therapy (male:female ratio, 1:1.2; median age, 73 years; range, 34-84 years). Predicted mortality was assessed using the P-POSSUM score and compared with clinically observed outcomes.

RESULTS

Ten patients (37%) with a mean predicted P-POSSUM mortality of 72%, died of sepsis and multi-organ failure. Seventeen patients (mean P-POSSUM 48% expected mortality) survived to discharge. One patient with pancreatitis died from small bowel obstruction 1-year post discharge, two patients developed a small bowel fistula. One patient had an allergic reaction to the VAC dressing. Our patients, treated with laparostomy and TRAC VAC therapy, had a significantly improved observed survival when compared to P-POSSUM expected survival (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparostomy with immediate intraperitoneal VAC therapy is a robust and effective system to manage patients with intra-abdominal catastrophes. There were significantly improved outcomes compared to the mortality predicted by P-POSSUM scores. Damage control surgery with laparostomy formation and intra-abdominal VAC therapy should be considered in patients with severe peritonitis.

Temporary closure of the open abdomen: a systematic review on delayed primary fascial closure in patients with an open abdomen

Background

This study was designed to systematically review the literature to assess which temporary abdominal closure (TAC) technique is associated with the highest delayed primary fascial closure (FC) rate. In some cases of abdominal trauma or infection, edema or packing precludes fascial closure after laparotomy. This “open abdomen” must then be temporarily closed. However, the FC rate varies between techniques.

Methods

The Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched until December 2007. References were checked for additional studies. Search criteria included (synonyms of) “open abdomen,” “fascial closure,” “vacuum,” “reapproximation,” and “ventral hernia.” Open abdomen was defined as “the inability to close the abdominal fascia after laparotomy.” Two reviewers independently extracted data from original articles by using a predefined checklist.

Results

The search identified 154 abstracts of which 96 were considered relevant. No comparative studies were identified. After reading them, 51 articles, including 57 case series were included. The techniques described were vacuum-assisted closure (VAC; 8 series), vacuum pack (15 series), artificial burr (4 series), Mesh/sheet (16 series), zipper (7 series), silo (3 series), skin closure (2 series), dynamic retention sutures (DRS), and loose packing (1 series each). The highest FC rates were seen in the artificial burr (90%), DRS (85%), and VAC (60%). The lowest mortality rates were seen in the artificial burr (17%), VAC (18%), and DRS (23%).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the artificial burr and the VAC are associated with the highest FC rates and the lowest mortality rates.

The use of the Wittmann Patch facilitates a high rate of fascial closure in severely injured trauma patients and critically ill emergency surgery patients

BACKGROUND

The open abdomen after severe intra-abdominal trauma and emergency surgery is a major operative challenge. It is associated with high morbidity and prolonged hospital stays. Several management strategies have been developed to assist with fascial closure but no single method has emerged as the best. The Wittmann Patch (Starsurgical, Burlington, WI) is a unique device which uses velcro to permit progressive abdominal closure without necessitating serial operations. The purpose of this study was to determine the fascial closure rate using the Wittmann patch. We hypothesized that use of the patch would result in a high closure rate.

METHODS

Hospital billing codes were reviewed to identify those patients who underwent Wittmann patch placement. During the period from June 2002 to May of 2006, 29 patients were identified. These included 19 trauma patients and 10 other surgical patients. Other patients included vascular, bariatric, and emergency general surgery patients. The trauma registry and the patients' medical records were reviewed to determine injury severity, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, fluid requirements, patch placement, management, and patient outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-two (76%) of the 29 patients survived to discharge. The average Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 25 +/- 6 in all patients, 22.9 +/- 6 in survivors, and 31 +/- 3 in those who died (p = 0.004). Mean injury severity scale and abdominal abbreviated injury scale scores in trauma patients were 28 +/- 10 and 3 +/- 2, respectively. The mean volume of fluid given during the 24 hours before having an open abdomen or patch placement was 17.6 L +/- 10.1 L. Twenty-five (86.2%) of 29 patients had at least one abdominal operation before placement of the patch (mean 1.3 +/- 1.0). Eighteen (82%) of 22 patients who survived to discharge had successful facial closure. Three patients (14%) required mesh placement for abdominal closure. The remaining patient had his patch removed and ultimately underwent skin grafting and subsequent component separation closure. Successful fascial closure was achieved after 15.5 days +/- 10.2 days (range, 5-42 days). The skin was left open in half of the patients. There were four abdominal complications that were noted while the patch was in place. Three of four complications were related to the primary disease, and in the fourth complication the patch became infected and had to be removed. There were no eviscerations or enterocutaneous fistulas after primary fascial closure. The median length of stay was 28 days (Interquartile range, 14-39 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the Wittmann Patch can achieve a high rate of delayed fascial closure in severe trauma and critically ill emergency surgery patients with open abdomens. Most of the complications associated with use of the patch were wound infections after fascial closure and closure of the skin.

Long-term outcome of acellular dermal matrix when used for large traumatic open abdomen

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to prospectively examine the use of Human Acellular Dermal Matrix (HADM) in trauma patients with large open abdominal wounds and assess the long-term outcome. Previous studies have not examined the long-term outcomes in trauma patients with abdominal wall reconstructions.

METHODS

An institutional review board approved prospective case series of consecutive patients admitted to a level I university trauma center, who were unable to have their abdomen closed primarily after trauma laparotomy. These patients had HADM placed to attain closure of the abdomen with skin advancement flaps to cover the HADM when possible. Our primary outcome measure was hernia formation and our secondary outcomes were laxity, fistulae, and infections associated with HADM.

RESULTS

Ten patients were enrolled during a 1-year period. Mean time to HADM placement was 17.2 days +/- 3.6 days. Mean initial defect size was 425.1 cm2 +/- 75.9 cm2 with the largest 770 cm2. Thirty day follow-up showed no recurrence in 100% patients. Six patients remained for long-term follow-up. Follow-up at 60 days demonstrated significant laxity or recurrent hernia or both in 67% of patients, and this increased to 100% by the end of 1 year follow-up. There were no bowel fistulae in these patients closed with HADM but 20% with infection.

CONCLUSIONS

HADM is an alternative available to reconstruct the unclosable open abdomen with no fistulae formation, however, it is associated with a high rate of laxity in large abdominal wounds.