Increasing Use of Prophylactic Open Abdomen Therapy With Vacuum Assisted Wound Closure and Mesh Mediated Fascial Traction After Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Open abdomen therapy (OAT) is commonly used to prevent or treat abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of OAT after rAAA from 2006 to 2021. Investigating data on resuscitation fluid, weight gain, and cumulative fluid balance could provide a more systematic approach to determining the timing of safe abdominal closure. METHODS: This was a single centre observational cohort study. The study included all patients treated for rAAA followed by OAT from October 2006 to December 2021. RESULTS: Seventy-two of the 244 patients who underwent surgery for rAAA received OAT. The mean age was 72 ± 7.85 years, and most were male (n = 61, 85%). The most frequent comorbidities were cardiac disease (n = 31, 43%) and hypertension (n = 31, 43%). Fifty-two patients (72%) received prophylactic OAT, and 20 received OAT for ACS (28%). There was a 25% mortality rate in the prophylactic OAT group compared with the 50% mortality in those who received OAT for ACS (p = .042). The 58 (81%) patients who survived until closure had a median of 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 9, 16.5) days of OAT and 5 (IQR 4, 7) dressing changes. There was one case of colocutaneous fistula and two cases of graft infection. All 58 patients underwent successful abdominal closure, with 55 (95%) undergoing delayed primary closure. In hospital survival was 85%. Treatment trends over time showed the increased use of prophylactic OAT (p ≤ .001) and fewer ACS cases (p = .03) assessed by Fisher's exact test. In multivariable regression analysis fluid overload and weight reduction predicted 26% of variability in time to closure. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic OAT after rAAA can be performed safely, with a high rate of delayed primary closure even after long term treatment.

The open abdomen in mesenteric ischemia: A tool for patients undergoing revascularization.

BACKGROUND: We examined outcomes in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia (AMI) with the hypothesis that Open Abdomen (OA) is associated with decreased mortality. METHODS: We performed a cohort study reviewing NSQIP emergency laparotomy patients, 2016-2020, with a postoperative diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia. OA was defined using flags for patients without fascial closure. Logistic regression was used with outcomes of 30-day mortality and several secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 5514 cases, 4624 (83.9%) underwent resection and 387 (7.0%) underwent revascularization. The OA rate was 32.6%. 10.8% of patients who were closed required reoperation. After adjustment for demographics, transfer status, comorbidities, preoperative variables including creatinine, white blood cell count, and anemia, as well as operative time, OA was associated with OR 1.58 for mortality (95% CI [1.38, 1.81], p < 0.001). Among revascularizations, there was no such association (p = 0.528). OA was associated with ventilator support >48 h (OR 4.04, 95% CI [3.55, 4.62], and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: OA in AMI was associated with increased mortality and prolonged ventilation. This is not so in revascularization patients, and 1 in 10 patients who underwent primary closure required reoperation. OA should be considered in specific cases of AMI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort, Level III.

A method for treatment of deep and superficial enteroatmospheric fistulas in an open abdomen, ChimneyVAC: Ten years experience.

BACKGROUND: Leakage of intestinal fluid is a challenging event when it appears in an open abdomen (OA) and surgical deviation does not seem possible. Intestinal contents in the abdominal cavity maintain inflammation and drainage is there for essential. We have developed a method, ChimneyVAC, to treat both deep and superficial enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAF) AIMS: To describe this innovative surgical technique and our 10-year experience. MATERIAL & METHODS: This single-center observational cohort study included all 16 consecutive patients treated with ChimneyVAC. Seven women and 9 men; median age: 47; (interquartile range [IQR]:39-63) years, 15 with a small bowel fistula and 1 with a large bowel fistula. All except of the colonic fistula were classified as a high output fistula; 14 were deep and 2 superficial. In this technique, a negative-pressure source is applied directly above the fistula opening, in addition to negative pressure wound therapy for the OA. This controls the leakage of intestinal fluid by direct drainage into a vacuum system, thereby avoiding contamination of the abdomen. A controlled enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) then forms as the traction from the ChimneyVAC brings the fistula opening to skin level. RESULTS: In 14 patients, an ECF formed after a median of 42 (IQR:28-55) days and 12 (IQR:7-16) dressing changes. The median length of hospitalization was 103 (IQR:58-143) days. Two patients died of multiorgan failure and 14 initially survived. DISCUSSION: This study showed that 14 out of 16 patients survived the initial treatment for enteric leakage with the ChimneyVAC method. The outcome of ChimneyVAC treatment is a controlled ECF, which was then corrected after a median of six months. However, hospitalization is lengthy, the patients undergo several dressing changes and many needs additional parenteral nutrition until intestinal continuity is reestablished. CONCLUSION: ChimneyVAC is a feasible method for treatment of EAF in an OA, with favorable survival.

Outcomes of Prolonged Open Abdomen in Children.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to better characterize outcomes in pediatric patients requiring open abdomen for instability with ongoing resuscitation, second look surgery, or left in discontinuity or congenital or acquired loss of domain that may lead to prolonged open abdomen (POA) or difficulties in successful abdominal wall closure. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of patients aged less or equal to 18 years who presented to our institution from 2015 to 2022. We defined POA as requiring three or more surgeries prior to abdominal wall closure. Descriptive statistics were performed using median and interquartile range. RESULTS: Median age was 15 years (interquartile range 0-6 years), 46% female, and 69% White. Survival rate was 93% for the entire cohort. The most common indication for open abdomen was second look/discontinuity 22/41 (54%). The most common temporary abdominal wall closure was wound vac (43%). Fifty eight percent patients achieved primary tissue closure, the remaining required mesh. Of the 42 patients, 25 required POA. They had increasing rate of secondary infections at 56% compared to 44% (P = 0.17). The groups were further divided into indications for open abdomen including ongoing resuscitation, second look/discontinuity, and loss of domain with similar outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest series of long-term outcomes in pediatric patients with an open abdomen, we found that a majority of children were able to be primarily closed without mesh despite the number of surgeries required. Further studies require a protocolized approach to improve the long-term outcomes of these patients.

Economic Analysis of AbClo, a Novel Abdominal Fascia Closure Device, for Patients With an Open Abdomen Following Trauma or Acute Abdominal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Open Abdomen (OA) cases represent a significant surgical and resource challenge. AbClo is a novel non-invasive abdominal fascial closure device that engages lateral components of the abdominal wall muscles to support gradual approximation of the fascia and reduce the fascial gap. The study objective was to assess the economic implications of AbClo compared to negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) alone on OA management. METHODS: We conducted a cost-minimization analysis using a decision tree comparing the use of the AbClo device to NPWT alone among patients with midline laparotomy for trauma or acute abdominal surgery who were ineligible for primary fascial closure. The time horizon was limited to the length of the inpatient hospital stay, and costs were considered from the perspective of the US Medicare payer. Clinical effectiveness data for AbClo was obtained from a randomized clinical trial. Cost data was obtained from the published literature. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed. The primary outcome was incremental cost. RESULTS: The mean cumulative costs per patient were $76 582 for those treated with NPWT alone and $70,582 for those in the group treated with the AbClo device. Compared to NPWT alone, AbClo was associated with lower incremental costs of -$6012 (95% CI -$19 449 to +$1996). The probability that AbClo was cost-savings compared to NPWT alone was 94%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of AbClo is an economically attractive strategy for management of OA in in patients with midline laparotomy for trauma or acute abdominal surgery who were ineligible for primary fascial closure.

[Interpretation of the Chinese expert consensus on open abdomen therapy (2023 edition)].

Open abdomen therapy is an effective method for the treatment of severe intra-abdominal infections, abdominal hypertension and other critical abdominal diseases. Bases on systematic reviews of indications, classification and staging of wounds, principles and approaches of open abdomen therapy, abdominal closure measures, and management of enteroatmospheric fistula, the Chinese expert consensus on open abdomen therapy provides 12 recommendations with evidence and specific explanations. This consensus is the first systematic work in China to elaborate on open abdomen therapy, helping clinicians to standardize this technique and improve the treatment outcomes of critical abdominal diseases. In this review, we make interpretations on key points of this consensus one by one.

[Chinese consensus on open abdomen therapy (2023 edition)].

Open abdomen therapy is an effective treatment to deal with severe abdominal infections, abdominal hypertension and other critical abdominal diseases. However, this therapy is difficult to implement and has many uncertainties in the timing, manners, and follow-up treatment, which leads to the fact that open abdomen therapy is not very accessible and standardized in medical systems of China. This consensus aims to provide guiding principles for indications and implementation of open abdomen, classification methods of open abdomen wounds, technologies for abdominal closure, and management of enteroatmospheric fistula, so as to improve the accessibility and success rate of open abdomen in China.

Cuidados de enfermería en pacientes con abdomen abierto y fístulas enterocutáneas / Nursing Care of Patients with Open Abdomen and Enterocutaneous Fistulas / Cuidados de enfermagem em pacientes com abdome aberto e fístulas enterocutâneas

Introducción. Una de las principales intervenciones que realiza el profesional de enfermería es el cuidado de las heridas, su finalidad es evitar posibles complicaciones y estimular la cicatrización del tejido lesionado. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar las intervenciones de enfermería realizadas en pacientes con abdomen abierto y fístulas enterocutáneas mediante la revisión de literatura. Metodología. Se realizó una revisión narrativa en un lapso de 10 meses. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron: PubMed, ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey, MEDLINE, SciELO y Ovid. Se realizó revisión de 50 artículos que cumplían con el objetivo de la revisión. Resultados. Se encontraron cuidados de enfermería relacionados con los cuidados básicos y específicos en pacientes con abdomen abierto y en fístulas enterocutáneas. Discusión. Diversos autores coinciden en que el uso de la Bolsa de Bogotá, es una de las intervenciones de enfermería más utilizadas para las heridas de abdomen abierto, la medición intraabdominal, que permite la identificación precoz del Síndrome Compartimental Abdominal, y el mantenimiento del objetivo nutricional en pacientes con fístulas enterocutáneas, permiten una recuperación exitosa. Conclusiones. Se pudo determinar que existen diversos cuidados de enfermería que deben considerarse en el manejo del abdomen abierto y de las fístulas enterocutáneas, todos estos cuidados permiten que el personal de enfermería tenga un soporte científico útil en el momento de brindar un cuidado a los pacientes con estas condiciones de salud. Esto, con el fin de evitar o disminuir los riesgos de deshidratación, desequilibrio hidroelectrolítico, desnutrición, sepsis e incluso la muerte.

Introduction. One of the main interventions carried out by nursing professionals is the care of wounds. Its purpose is to avoid possible complications and stimulate the scarring of the wounded tissue. The objective of this investigation was to determine the nursing interventions carried out in patients with open abdomens and enterocutaneous fistulas via a literature review. Methodology. A narrative review was carried out over 10 months. The databases used were: PubMed, ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey, MEDLINE, SciELO, and Ovid. Fifty articles that met the objective of the review were used. Results. Nursing care related to basic and specific care in patients with open abdomens and enterocutaneous fistulas was found. Discussion. Different authors agree on the use of the Bogotá Bag, is one of the most used nursing interventions for open abdominal wounds, intraabdominal measurement, which allows for early identification of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, and maintenance of nutritional objectives in patients with enterocutaneous fistulas allow for successful recovery. Conclusions. We could determine that there are different types of nursing care that must be considered in the handling of open abdomen and enterocutaneous fistulas. All these types of care allow for nursing staff to have a useful scientific support when providing care to patients with these health conditions. This is in order to avoid or reduce the risks of dehydration, hydroelectrolytic imbalance, malnutrition, sepsis, and even death.

Introdução. Uma das principais intervenções realizadas pelo profissional de enfermagem é o cuidado de feridas, sua finalidade é evitar possíveis complicações e estimular a cicatrização do tecido lesado. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar as intervenções de enfermagem realizadas em pacientes com abdome aberto e fístulas enterocutâneas por meio de uma revisão de literatura. Metodologia. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa durante um período de 10 meses. As bases de dados utilizadas foram: PubMed, ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey, MEDLINE, SciELO e Ovid. Foi realizada uma revisão de 50 artigos que atenderam ao objetivo da revisão. Resultados. Foram encontrados cuidados de enfermagem relacionados aos cuidados básicos e específicos em pacientes com abdome aberto e fístulas enterocutâneas. Discussão. Vários autores concordam que o uso da Bolsa de Bogotá, é uma das intervenções de enfermagem mais utilizadas para feridas abertas abdominais; a medida intra-abdominal, que permite a identificação precoce da Síndrome do Compartimento Abdominal; e a manutenção do objetivo nutricional nos pacientes com fístulas enterocutâneas, permitem uma recuperação bem sucedida. Conclusões. Foi possível determinar que existem diversos cuidados de enfermagem que devem ser considerados no manejo de abdome aberto e fístulas enterocutâneas, todos esses cuidados permitem que a equipe de enfermagem tenha um apoio científico útil no momento de prestar cuidados aos pacientes com estas condições de saúde. Isso, a fim de evitar ou reduzir os riscos de desidratação, desequilíbrio hidroeletrolítico, desnutrição, sepse e até mesmo a morte.

Open abdomen technique used in complications of major gynecological oncology surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the open abdomen technique (laparostomy) used in complications of major gynecological oncology surgery. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the surgical database of all patients who had undergone major open surgery by the same gynecologic oncologist over a 5-year period. All patients who had had open abdomen procedure were identified; demographic data and indications of primary surgery, temporary abdominal closure procedure details, fascia closure and morbidity, mortality rates were evaluated. Intraabdominal infection and intraoperative massive hemorrhage were the major indications for all open abdomen cases. Mannheim Peritonitis Index was used perioperatively to determine open abdomen decision in intraabdominal infections. Vacuum Assisted Abdominal Closure system and Bogota Bag were used for temporary abdominal closure techniques. RESULTS: Out of the total 560 patients who had undergone major oncological surgery, 19 patients (3.3%) had open abdomen procedure due to surgical complications. Eleven patients had intraabdominal infection, six patients had hemodynamic instability due to peri and postoperative hemorrhage, two patients had gross fecal contamination during posterior pelvic exenteration surgery. The fascia was closed totally in 15 (78%), partially in 3 (15%) and could not be closed in 1 patient who had died secondary to multiorgan failure. Total morbidity and mortality rates were 26% (5/19) (two intrabdominal abscess, one pulmonary embolism, one skin necrosis, one enteroatmospheric fistula) and 5.2% (1/19) respectively. CONCLUSION: Open abdomen is a life-saving procedure when applied with correct indications and timing. Gynecological oncologic surgeries are candidates to serious complications and gynecologic oncologists dealing with such surgery should be as experienced as general surgeons in this regard.

[Strategies for open abdomen].

This is a review of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) strategies are necessary in cases where definitive surgery is not possible. Indications for TAC include damage control due to unstable physiology, the need for a second look, or lacking technical possibility for fascial closure. The superior method of TAC is vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), with or without a traction mesh. All TAC strategies, including VAC, are associated with an increased number of surgical procedures, increased risk of complications, and prolonged length of stay. TAC should be limited to selected patients and performed by senior surgeons.

Outcome in patients with open abdomen treatment for peritonitis: a multidomain approach outperforms single domain predictions.

Numerous patient-related clinical parameters and treatment-specific variables have been identified as causing or contributing to the severity of peritonitis. We postulated that a combination of clinical and surgical markers and scoring systems would outperform each of these predictors in isolation. To investigate this hypothesis, we developed a multivariable model to examine whether survival outcome can reliably be predicted in peritonitis patients treated with open abdomen. This single-center retrospective analysis used univariable and multivariable logistic regression modeling in combination with repeated random sub-sampling validation to examine the predictive capabilities of domain-specific predictors (i.e., demography, physiology, surgery). We analyzed data of 1,351 consecutive adult patients (55.7% male) who underwent open abdominal surgery in the study period (January 1998 to December 2018). Core variables included demographics, clinical scores, surgical indices and indicators of organ dysfunction, peritonitis index, incision type, fascia closure, wound healing, and fascial dehiscence. Postoperative complications were also added when available. A multidomain peritonitis prediction model (MPPM) was constructed to bridge the mortality predictions from individual domains (demographic, physiological and surgical). The MPPM is based on data of n = 597 patients, features high predictive capabilities (area under the receiver operating curve: 0.87 (0.85 to 0.90, 95% CI)) and is well calibrated. The surgical predictor "skin closure" was found to be the most important predictor of survival in our cohort, closely followed by the two physiological predictors SAPS-II and MPI. Marginal effects plots highlight the effect of individual outcomes on the prediction of survival outcome in patients undergoing staged laparotomies for treatment of peritonitis. Although most single indices exhibited moderate performance, we observed that the predictive performance was markedly increased when an integrative prediction model was applied. Our proposed MPPM integrative prediction model may outperform the predictive power of current models.

Manejo del abdomen abierto en el paciente crítico en un centro de nivel III de Popayán / Management of the open abdomen in critically ill patients in a tertiary level hospital in Popayán

Introducción. El abdomen abierto es un recurso útil para el tratamiento de pacientes con patología abdominal compleja, con potencial de complicaciones. El objetivo de este estudio fue adaptar la guía de World Society of Emer-gency Surgery (WSES) 2018, en un hospital de nivel III de atención de la ciudad de Popayán, Colombia, y comparar los resultados obtenidos con los previos a su implementación. Métodos. Estudio cuasi-experimental en dos mediciones de pacientes con abdomen abierto y estancia en cuidado crítico, durante los meses de abril a octubre de los años 2018 y 2019, antes y después de la adaptación con el personal asistencial de la guía de práctica clínica WSES 2018. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, prueba de Chi cuadrado y se empleó el software SPSS V.25. Resultados. Se incluyeron 99 pacientes críticos, con una edad media de 53,2 años, con indicación de abdomen abierto por etiología traumática en el 28,3 %, infecciosa no traumática en el 32,3 % y no traumática ni infecciosa en el 37,4 %. La mortalidad global fue de 25,3 %, de los cuales, un 68 % se debieron a causas ajenas a la patología abdominal. Las complicaciones postoperatorias se presentaron en 10 pacientes con infección de sitio operatorio y 9 pacientes con fístula enterocutánea. El uso del doble Viaflex se implementó en un 63,6 %, logrando un cierre de la pared abdominal en el 79,8 % de los casos (p=0,038). Conclusión. El abdomen abierto requiere de un abordaje multidisciplinar. El uso de doble Viaflex es una herramienta simple y efectiva. La implementación de la guía disminuyó el porcentaje de mortalidad, los días de abdomen abierto y la estancia en cuidados intensivos.

Introduction. The open abdomen is a useful resource for the treatment of patients with complex abdominal pathology, with the potential for complications. The aim of this study was to adapt the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WJES) 2018 guidelines, in a tertiary level hospital and compare the results obtained with those prior to its implementation. Methods. Experimental study in two measurements of patients with open abdomen and stay in critical care, during the months of April to October in 2018 and 2019, before and after the adaptation with the healthcare personnel of the WSES 2018 clinical practice guide. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test and SPSS V.25 software were used. Results. Ninety-nine critically ill patients were included, with a mean age of 53.2 years, with an indication of open abdomen due to traumatic etiology in 28.3%, infectious non-traumatic in 32.3%, and non-traumatic or infectious in 37.4 %. Overall mortality was 25.3%, of which 68% were due to causes other than abdominal pathology. Post-operative complications occurred in 10 patients with surgical site infection and 9 patients with enterocutaneous fistula. The use of the double Viaflex was implemented in 63.6%, achieving a closure of the abdominal wall in 79.8% (p=0.038) of the cases.Conclusion. The open abdomen requires a multidisciplinary approach. The use of double Viaflex is a simple and effective tool. The implementation of the guide decreased the percentage of mortality, the days of open abdomen and the stay in intensive care unit.

Factores asociados a sepsis abdominal en pacientes con laparotomía por trauma abdominal penetrante / Factors associated with abdominal sepsis in patients with laparotomy due to penetrating abdominal trauma

Introducción. Los pacientes que sufren algún tipo de trauma tienen una presentación clínica muy variable, por lo que se han diseñado pautas diagnósticas y terapéuticas con el fin de disminuir el número de laparotomías innecesarias. Las herramientas actuales para la predicción de infección intraabdominal, permiten intervenciones tempranas en los pacientes con alto riesgo y un mejor seguimiento clínico posoperatorio. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar un estudio de los factores asociados al desarrollo de las infecciones intraabdominales o sepsis abdominal posterior a laparotomía por trauma penetrante. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo de una cohorte de pacientes atendidos por trauma abdominal penetrante en el Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia, entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2018. El análisis de datos se realizó en el software Stata®, versión 14 (StataCorp. LP, College Station, TX, USA). Resultados. Se incluyeron 174 pacientes con edad media de 32 años, el 10,9 % (n=19) de los pacientes presentaron sepsis abdominal, de este grupo el 94,7 % (n=18) requirieron reintervención quirúrgica (p < 0,0001). La mortalidad general del grupo fue de 5,1 % (n=9), sin diferencia significativa entre los pacientes con o sin sepsis abdominal. Discusión. Dentro de los diferentes desenlaces asociados a laparotomía por trauma, se describe la sepsis abdominal como una de las complicaciones que genera morbilidad significativa, con aumento en la estancia hospitalaria, necesidad de reintervención, aumento en los costos de atención y disminución en la calidad de vida, factores en concordancia con los hallazgos del presente estudio

Introduction. Patients who suffer some type of trauma have a highly variable presentation, which is why diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines have been designed in order to reduce the number of unnecessary laparotomies. Current tools for the prediction of intra-abdominal infections allow early interventions in high-risk patients and a better postoperative clinical follow-up. The objective of this article was to study the factors associated with the development of intra-abdominal infections or abdominal sepsis after laparotomy due to penetrating trauma. Methods. Descriptive study of a cohort of patients treated for penetrating abdominal trauma at the Santander University Hospital, Bucaramanga, Colombia, between January 2016 and December 2018. Data analysis was performed using Stata® software, version 14 (Stata corp. LP, College Station, TX, USA). Results. A total of 174 patients with a mean age of 32 years were included, 10.9% (n=19) of the patients presented abdominal sepsis, of this group 94.7% (n=18) had a surgical reintervention (p < 0.0001). The overall mortality of the group was 5.1% (n=9) with no significant difference between patients with or without abdominal sepsis. Discussion. Among the different outcomes associated with laparotomy due to trauma, abdominal sepsis is described as one of the complications that generates significant morbidity, with an increase in hospital stay, the need for reoperation, an increase in care costs and a decrease in quality of life, factors in agreement with the findings of the present study

Abdomen abierto y cierre temprano de la pared abdominal / Open abdomen and early closure of the abdominal wall

El abdomen abierto es una opción terapéutica en pacientes críticamente enfermos. Se utiliza cuando el cierre de la cavidad abdominal no puede o no debe ser realizado. No obstante, su utilidad como parte de una estrategia tradicionalmente aceptada ha disminuido, en la medida en que se han incrementado las secuelas en la pared abdominal, en especial la hernia ventral. Los procedimientos requeridos para la reconstrucción anatómica y funcional de la pared abdominal, como parte del tratamiento de una hernia ventral, revisten una alta complejidad y constituyen un nuevo escenario quirúrgico. Igualmente, conllevan incertidumbre respecto a su naturaleza y posibles complicaciones, además de que condicionan mayores gastos al sistema de salud. Para evitar los problemas del cierre tardío de la pared abdominal, se han desarrollado alternativas para superar el abordaje tradicional de "tratar y esperar", hacia "tratar y reconstruir" tempranamente. El objetivo de la presente revisión es realizar una descripción de los principales avances en el tratamiento del abdomen abierto y el papel del cierre temprano de la pared abdominal, haciendo énfasis en la importancia de un cambio conceptual en el mismo

The open abdomen is a therapeutic option in critically ill patients. It is used when the closure of the abdominal cavity cannot or should not be performed. However, its usefulness as part of a traditionally accepted strategy has diminished, as sequelae in the abdominal wall, especially ventral hernia, have increased. The procedures required for the anatomical and functional reconstruction of the abdominal wall, as part of the treatment of a ventral hernia, are highly complex and constitute a new surgical scenario. Likewise, they lead to uncertainty regarding their nature and possible complications, in addition to conditioning higher expenses for the health system. To avoid the problems of delayed closure of the abdominal wall, alternatives have been developed to overcome the traditional "try and wait" approach to "treat and reconstruct" early. The objective of this review is to describe the main advances in the treatment of the open abdomen and the role of early closure of the abdominal wall, emphasizing the importance of a conceptual change in it

Underlying disease determines the risk of an open abdomen treatment, final closure, however, is determined by the surgical abdominal history.

INTRODUCTION: Temporary abdominal closure is frequently used in several situations such as abbreviated surgery in damage control situations or when closing is impossible due to organ distention or increased abdominal pressure. The ultimate goal is to eventually close the fascia; however, little is known about factors predicting abdominal closure. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with the need for open abdomen as well as indicating the possibility of delayed fascial closure after a period of open abdominal treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients that underwent midline laparotomy between January 2008 and December 2012 was performed. Both factors predicting open abdominal treatment and possibility to close the fascia afterwards were identified and analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: 775 laparotomies in 525 patients (60% male) were included. 109 patients (21%) had an open abdomen with a mortality rate of 27%. Male gender and acidosis were associated with open abdominal treatment. In 54%, the open abdomen could be closed by delayed fascial closure. The number of laparotomies both before and during temporary abdominal treatment was associated with failure of closure. CONCLUSION: In this study, male sex and physiological derangement, reflected by acidosis, were independent predictors of open abdominal treatment. Furthermore, the success of delayed fascial closure depends on number of abdominal surgical procedures. Moreover, based on our experiences, we suggest to change modalities early on, to prevent multiple fruitless attempts to close the abdomen.

Open abdominal management for perforative peritonitis with septic shock: a retrospective analysis on usefulness of a standardized treatment protocol.

BACKGROUND: Damage control surgery (DCS) with open abdominal management (OAM) has been increasingly expanded to include critically ill non-trauma patients. However, there is limited data regarding the usefulness of this protocol for the treatment of severe perforative peritonitis (PP), especially with septic shock (SS). Here, we retrospectively evaluated the usefulness of our OAM protocol for PP with SS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with from June 2015 to September 2018. The proposed protocol was composed of the following steps: (1) rapid control of contamination; (2) temporary abdominal closure; (3) repeated washout of the abdominal cavity; and (4) delayed definitive surgery. For temporary abdominal closure, a negative pressure wound therapy device was used. The end points were the morbidity and 30-day mortality rates. Logistic backward regression was performed to identify factors associated with complications. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 4% (1/25) and the overall morbidity rate of surviving patients was 58.3% (14/24). The mean duration of the first DCS was 67.36 ± 22.83 min. The median durations of ventilation and intensive care unit stay were 5 and 7 days, respectively. Although not significant, morbidity might be associated with age, diabetes mellitus, initial operative time, and OAM duration. CONCLUSIONS: A standardized protocol for OAM may improve the outcomes of patients with SS due to PP. This damage control approach can be applied for the treatment of severe abdominal sepsis.

The Significance of Visceral Protection in Preventing Enteroatmospheric Fistulae During Open Abdomen Treatment in Patients With Secondary Peritonitis: A Propensity Score-matched Case-control Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of a visceral protective layer (VPL) on the formation of enteroatmospheric fistulae (EAF) in open abdomen treatment (OAT) for peritonitis. BACKGROUND: EAF formation is a severe complication of OAT. Despite the widespread use of OAT, there are no robust evidence-based recommendations for preventing EAF. METHODS: A total of 120 peritonitis patients with secondary peritonitis as a result of a perforation of a hollow viscus or anastomotic insufficiency who had undergone OAT were included, and 14 clinical parameters were recorded in prospective OAT databases at 2 tertiary referral centers. For this analysis, patients with a VPL were assigned to the treatment group and those without a VPL to the control group. Propensity Score (PS) matching was performed. Known risk factors in OAT such as malignant disease, mortality, emergency operation, OAT duration, and fascial closure were matching variables. The influence of VPL on EAF formation was statistically evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: With 34 patients in each group, no notable differences were identified with regard to age, sex, underlying disease, mortality, emergency operation, fascial closure, and OAT duration. Overall, a mortality rate of 22.1% for OAT due to peritonitis was observed. Mean OAT duration was approximately 9 days, and secondary fascial closure was achieved in more than two-thirds of all patients. Fascial traction was used in more than 75% of cases. EAF formation was significantly more frequent in the control group (EAF formation: VPL group 2.9% vs control 26.5%; P = 0.00). In the final regression analysis, the use of VPL resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of EAF formation (odds ratio 0.08; 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.71, P = 0.02), which translates to a relative risk reduction of 89.1%. CONCLUSION: VPL effectively prevents EAF formation during OAT in patients with peritonitis. We recommend the consistent use of VPL as part of a standardized OAT treatment algorithm.

Infección intraabdominal posoperatoria tratada con técnica de abdomen abierto desde un enfoque inclusivo / Infecção intra-abdominal pós-operatória tratada com uma técnica de abdômen aberto a partir de uma abordagem inclusiva / Postoperative intraabdominal infection treated with open abdominal technique from an inclusive approach

Introducción: La infección intraabdominal posoperatoria es una grave complicación que con frecuencia requiere de la técnica de abdomen abierto para solucionarla, lo cual exige competencia profesional y humanismo. Objetivo: Analizar desde un enfoque inclusivo las particularidades de la técnica de abdomen abierto aplicada en pacientes con infección intraabdominal posoperatoria. Método: Se realizó un estudio exploratorio con enfoque cualitativo en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo de Santiago de Cuba durante junio-octubre de 2020. Se utilizó la sistematización como método teórico y como métodos empíricos el análisis documental con la revisión de las historias clínicas y la observación con la práctica atencional-docente de la autora. Resultados: El análisis documental y la práctica contextualizada de la autora en los diversos escenarios de atención clínico-quirúrgica a pacientes con infección intraabdominal posoperatoria permitió constatar la necesidad de que el cirujano no vea de forma aislada al paciente con esta grave complicación a quien se le aplica con frecuencia la técnica de abdomen abierto para controlar la contaminación, ya que las particularidades de esta estrategia demandan la actualización sistemática para mejorar el desempeño profesional unido a una gran sensibilidad humana. Conclusiones: En la infección intraabdominal posoperatoria tratada con técnica de abdomen abierto es pertinente que los médicos responsables muestren dominio de las particularidades de la estrategia quirúrgica con un enfoque inclusivo unido a una gran sensibilidad humana como evidencia de calidad atencional(AU).

Introduction: Postoperative intraabdominal infection is a serious complication that commonly requires the open abdominal technique to solve it, and also requires of professional competence and humanism. Objective: To assess, from an inclusive approach, the features of the open abdominal technique applied in patients with postoperative intraabdominal infection. Method: An exploratory study with a qualitative approach was carried out at the Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo in Santiago de Cuba, from June thoughout October 2020. Systematization was used as theoretical method and, on the other hand, documentary analysis (applying the clinical histories review) and the observation (applying the author's care-teaching practice) were used as empirical methods. Results: The documentary analysis and the contextualized practice of the author, in the different scenarios of clinical-surgical care to patients with postoperative intraabdominal infection, allowed confirming the need for the surgeon not to see patients with this serious complication as an isolated event. Patients who open abdomen technique were frequently applied to control contamination. It should be taken into account that the particularities of this strategy demand for systematic updating to improve professional performance matched with a great human sensitivity. Conclusions: In the postoperative intraabdominal infection treated with open abdominal technique, it is pertinent that physicians show mastery concerning surgical strategy features with an inclusive approach matched with a great human sensitivity as evidence of a great quality care(AU).

Introdução: A infecção intra-abdominal pós-operatória é uma complicação grave que frequentemente requer a técnica de abdômen aberto para sua resolução, o que requer competência profissional e humanismo. Objetivo: Analisar a partir de uma abordagem inclusiva as particularidades da técnica de abdome aberto aplicada em pacientes com infecção intra-abdominal pós-operatória. Método: Foi realizado um estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa no Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo de Santiago de Cuba durante o período de junho a outubro de 2020. A sistematização foi utilizada como método teórico e como método empírico, o documentário análise com a revisão do prontuário e observação com a prática pedagógica do autor. Resultados: A análise documental e a prática contextualizada do autor nos diversos ambientes de atendimento clínico-cirúrgico ao paciente com infecção intra-abdominal pós-operatória permitiram constatar a necessidade de o cirurgião não atender isoladamente o paciente portador dessa grave complicação. A técnica do abdômen aberto é frequentemente aplicada para o controle da contaminação, uma vez que as particularidades dessa estratégia requerem atualização sistemática para melhorar o desempenho profissional aliado a grande sensibilidade humana. Conclusões: No pós-operatório de infecção intra-abdominal tratada pela técnica de abdome aberto, é pertinente que os médicos responsáveis demonstrem domínio das particularidades da estratégia cirúrgica com abordagem inclusiva aliada a grande sensibilidade humana como evidência de qualidade da assistência(AU).

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy versus Abdominal Myomectomy for Large Myomas Sized over 10 cm or Weighing 250 g.

PURPOSE: Here, we compared the operative and perioperative outcomes between robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) and abdominal myomectomy (AM) in patients with large (>10 cm) or heavy myomas (>250 g). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 278 patients who underwent multi-port RALM (n=126) or AM (n=151) for large or heavy myomas in a tertiary care hospital between April 2019 and June 2020. The t-test, chi-square, Bonferroni's test, and multiple linear regression were used. RESULTS: No differences were observed in age, body mass index, parity, or history of pelvic surgery between the two groups. Myoma diameters were not different (10.8±2.52 cm vs. 11.2±3.0 cm, p=0.233), but myomas were lighter in the RALM group than in the AM group (444.6±283.14 g vs. 604.68±368.35 g, respectively, p=0.001). The RALM group had a higher proportion of subserosal myomas, fewer myomas, fewer large myomas over >3 cm, lighter myomas, and longer total operating time. However, the RALM group also had shorter hospital stay and fewer short-term complications. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was not different between the two groups. The number of removed myomas was the most significant factor (coefficient=10.89, p<0.0001) affecting the EBL. CONCLUSION: RALM is a feasible myomectomy technique even for large or heavy myomas. RALM patients tend to have shorter hospital stays and fewer postoperative fevers within 48 hours. However, RALM has longer total operating time.