The SAGES MASTERS program bariatric surgery pathway selects 10 seminal publications on adjustable gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is one of the clinical pathways of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Masters Program, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is one of the three anchoring bariatric procedures. To improve surgeon lifelong learning, the Masters Program seeks to identify sentinel articles of each of the 3 bariatric anchoring procedures. In this article, we present the top 10 articles on LAGB. METHODS: A systematic literature search of papers on LAGB was completed, and publications with the most citations and citation index were selected and shared with SAGES Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Committee members for review. The individual committee members then ranked these papers, and the top 10 papers were chosen based on the composite ranking. RESULTS: The top 10 sentinel publications on LAGB contributed substantially to the body of literature related to the procedure, whether for surgical technique, novel information, or outcome analysis. A summary of each paper including expert appraisal and commentary is presented here. CONCLUSION: These seminal articles have had significant contribution to our understanding and appreciation of the LAGB procedure. Bariatric surgeons should use this resource to enhance their continual education and acquisition of specialized skills.

Improved Outcomes for Trauma Patients in a Military Treatment Facility After Initiation of an American College of Surgeons-Verified Trauma Program.

INTRODUCTION: The National Defense Authorization Act of 2017 indicated the need for a national strategy to improve trauma care among military treatment facilities (MTFs). Part of the proposed strategy to improve trauma outcomes was to convert identified MTFs into verified trauma centers. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) verifies trauma centers through an evaluation process based on available resources at a facility. It has been proven that trauma centers, specifically those verified by the ACS, have improved trauma outcomes. In 2017, we implemented steps to become a level III trauma program, according to the standards for designation by the state and verification through the ACS. The goal of this retrospective review is to evaluate the impact of this implementation with regard to both patient care and the MTF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from a single-MTF trauma registry from 2018, at the initiation of the trauma program, to present were reviewed. Outcomes were selected based upon the ACS verification criteria. Specifically, emergency department length of stay (ED LOS), nonsurgical admissions, injury severity score, diversion rates, and time to operating room were reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-tests. Institutional review board (IRB) approval was not required for this study as it was performed as a quality improvement project using deidentified data. RESULTS: ED LOS decreased significantly after implementation of the trauma program from an average of 6.43 h in 2018 to 4.73 h in 2019 and 4.6 h in 2020 (P < .04). Nonsurgical admissions decreased significantly from 57.8% in 2018, with rates of <20% in all subsequent years (P < .01). The average injury severity score increased from 5.61 in 2018 to 7.52 in 2020 (P < .01) and 7.27 in 2021 (P < .01). Diversion rates also decreased from >5% in 2018 to 0% in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of a trauma program in accordance with the standards of the ACS for verification improved metrics of care for trauma patients at our MTF. This implementation as part of the local trauma system also led to increased injury severity seen by the MTF, which enhances readiness for its providers.

An evaluation of bariatric surgery in all military treatment facilities.

BACKGROUND: Multiple bariatric databases have been formed, but there have been no comprehensive assessments of military treatment facilities (MTFs). MTFs have unique patients and coverage policies by Tricare insurance. METHODS: MHS Mart (M2) was used to review the outpatient medical record, AHLTA, from October 2013 to December 2018 for type of bariatric procedure, demographics, military-specific data, comorbidities, and complications, which were identified by ICD code and CPT code, including a robotic modifier. MTFs were classified by volume as high (HV) with > 50 cases annually, moderate (MV) with 25 to 50 cases, and low (LV) with < 25 cases, as well as by the presence of surgical residencies. RESULTS: Patients at MTFs were slightly younger and more female than by other database studies. The Army was the most common branch of service, and dependents of retirees were the most common beneficiary population. MTFs with residencies had slightly older patients and fewer Army patients. HV, MV, and LV MTFs had similar patients except for branch of service. Over time, the proportion of open gastric bypasses increased, biliopancreatic diversions with duodenal switches decreased, and robotic assistance increased 744%. MTFs with residencies performed more procedures than those without residencies, and with the exception of procedures utilizing robotic assistance, procedures were overall similar to those without residencies. HV MTFs performed most of the procedures annually, and their procedures were proportionately similar to MV and LV MTFs, with the exception of HV MTFs having a higher proportion of laparoscopic bypasses and robotic assistance. CONCLUSION: MTFs largely perform similar procedures on similar patients relative to MBSAQIP and NSQIP studies. Robotic assistance increased significantly over time. Except for laparoscopic bypasses and procedures with robotic assistance, HV MTFs performed similar proportions of procedures to MV and LV MTFs. MTFs with residencies performed similar procedures to those without residencies.

An Analysis of Burnout among Military General Surgery Residents.

OBJECTIVES: Resident burnout is an increasing issue in graduate medical education programs. Military graduate medical education is unique in numerous ways and may have different rates of burnout as well as different causes. This study aims to assess resident burnout rates and contributing factors among military general surgery residents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Using Department of Defense approved software, an anonymous survey was created and distributed to all general surgery residents (n = 180) in 6 US medical centers where there are general surgery residency programs. The survey contained an Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Index questionnaire, multiple choice questions including several military-specific questions, and 2 open ended questions. Rates of burnout and potential risk factors associated with burnout were analyzed. RESULTS: After the collection period, 92 of 180 (51%) residents completed all Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Index questions, demographics, and military specific questions with an opportunity for written comments. Notable demographic findings of the respondents were that 64% were male, 65% were married or engaged, 40% had children, and 69% had no student loan debt. Overall, there was a 66% rate of burnout in any tertile. Variables found to be significant for overall burnout included the likelihood the resident plans to stay beyond their active duty service obligation and the perceived level of autonomy. Of the written responses, the most commonly cited contributing factor was the work burden from nonclinical and/or administrative tasks while the most common protective factor was resident camaraderie. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, burnout rates are similar among military general surgery residents compared to published reports of civilians. The close association with resident burnout and anticipation of early withdrawal from military service demonstrates this topic is potentially important to retention of the military medical force. The topics of increased resident autonomy, decreased non-clinical duties, and efforts to increase resident camaraderie should be more closely evaluated.

Attrition Rate in Military General Surgery GME and Effect on Quality of Military Programs.

INTRODUCTION: The attrition rate in civilian general surgery Graduate Medical Education (GME) is estimated at 20%, while estimates of attrition in military general surgery (MGS) GME programs using the same methodology are nearly twice that. We sought to identify the true attrition rate in MGS GME, identify factors influencing attrition, and examine the relationship between attrition and quality of MGS GME. METHODS: Deidentified data were collected on categorical general surgery residents matriculating from 2010 to 2013 from all 12 MGS residency programs. Information gathered included gender, medical degree, marital status, location of program, presence of a military-related interruption in training, and age at start of the categorical contract. For those who did not graduate, data on postgraduate year at time of attrition, reasons for attrition, and deficiencies in core competencies were solicited. To assess the effect of true attrition rate on graduate performance, we compared the published 5-year American Board of Surgery qualifying exam/certifying exam first time pass rates between military and civilian programs. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four categorical residents matriculated from 2010 to 2013. Fifty six (31.5 %) were women, 151 (62.1%) were MD's, 103 (56%) were married, 172 (93.5%) were less than 35 years old, and 33 (17.9%) had a military-related interruption in training. Nineteen individuals left residency prior to graduation (15 resigned, 2 resigned in lieu of termination, 2 terminated) for an overall attrition rate of 10.3%. The most common year for attrition was PGY-3 (31.6%) and most common reason for resignation was changing to a different subspecialty (73.3%). Men and women had equal attrition rates (10.3%), and there was no meaningful difference between MD's and DO's (9.9% vs 12.1%, p = 0.71) or region of training (10.6% East vs 9.1% West, p = 0.73). However, those who were not married, had a militarily mandated interruption in training and started their categorical training over the age of 35 had higher attrition rates (married 5.6%, not married 15%, p = 0.04, interruption 16% vs no interruption 9%, p = 0.1; Age ≥ 35 33.3% vs age < 35 6.7%, p < 0.01). Comparison of American Board of Surgery (ABS) first time pass rates over a similar time period showed that military programs performed statistically discernibly better than civilian programs (82% ± 12 vs 75% ± 13, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Previous used methodology over estimates the attrition rate in MGS GME. The lower rate in MGS programs results in a high level of graduate performance as measured by ABS pass rates. Interruption in training and especially marital status and age ≥ 35 appear to be potential predictors of attrition. Components of MGS GME training and selection processes might inform efforts to reduce attrition and improve performance in civilian surgical GME.

Evaluation of Operative Waste in a Military Medical Center: Analysis of Operating Room Cost and Waste during Surgical Cases.

Operating rooms (ORs) contribute to at least 40 per cent of hospital costs. There is an existing cost waste in ORs for surgical devices that are opened without being used. There is a paucity of data evaluating the hospital cost of opened but unused OR supplies. The goal of this observational study is to examine the cost of opened but unused OR supplies for general surgery cases. We performed a quality improvement project of OR cost waste by observing 30 cases. Surgical cases of a senior surgeon who had been at the institution for more than five years were evaluated for items opened appropriately and whether the items are used. The cases evaluated ranged from open hernia repairs to robotic-assisted hernia repairs. We found that the cost of instruments opened but not used was $4528.18. Of the cases evaluated, we found that a range of 0 per cent to 27 per cent of total items were wasted, an average of 8.3 per cent. We found that for the open inguinal hernia case, there was minimal waste. The highest waste was among complex cases such as the robotic-assisted inguinal hernia with an average waste and cost of 15.8 per cent and $379. We found that on average for less complex cases such as open inguinal hernia repairs, $1.44 was potentially wasted per case, whereas for more complex cases up to $379 was wasted per case. We identified the outdated preference cards, lack of instrument knowledge, circulating nurse, and surgical technician distractions as reasons for contributing to waste.

Factors influencing long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery provides sustained weight loss and improves comorbidities. However, long term data has shown that patients gradually regain weight after 1 year. Several factors have been associated with poor weight loss after bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE: Our goal is to investigate factors associated with poor weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). SETTING: Military academic medical center. METHODS: Retrospective review of 247 patients who underwent laparoscopic SG or RYGB between 2010-2012 at Eisenhower Army Medical Center and followed for 5 years postoperatively. Factors of age, type of surgery, sex, hypertension, depression, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are analyzed in univariate and multivariate analysis with percent total weight loss (%TWL) and Body Mass Index (BMI) change as primary endpoints measured at 3 and 5 years. RESULTS: Average BMI change are maximized at 1 year and decreased at 3 and 5 years post-surgery. Age, diabetes, hypertension and type of surgery significantly influenced weight loss at 3 and 5 years on univariate analysis. However, patients with diabetes, hypertension and sleeve gastrectomy were significantly older than comparable control group. Multivariable analysis showed that age and type of surgery, not diabetes or hypertension, were associated with poor %TWL and BMI change at 3 and 5 years. CONCLUSION: While presence of hypertension and diabetes initially appeared to be associated with weight recidivism, their impacts were negligible on multivariable analysis. However, age and sleeve gastrectomy are independent risk factors. Our data can be used to counsel patients on expected weight loss after bariatric surgery.

Bile duct injuries (BDI) in the advanced laparoscopic cholecystectomy era.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed laparoscopic procedure. It is superior in nearly every regard compared to open cholecystectomies. The one significant aspect where the laparoscopic approach is inferior regards the association with bile duct injuries (BDI). The BDI rate with laparoscopic cholecystectomy is approximately 0.5%; nearly triple the rate compared to the open approach. We propose that 0.5% BDI rate with the laparoscopic approach is no longer accurate. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) registry was retrospectively reviewed. All laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between 2012 and 2016 were extracted. A total of 217,774 cases meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. The primary data points were the overall BDI incidence rate and time of diagnosis. BDI were identified by ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Secondary data points were variables associated with BDI. RESULTS: The BDI rate was 0.19%. 77% of cases were diagnosed after the index surgical admission. Intra-operative cholangiography (IOC) use was associated with a higher BDI rate and higher identification rate of a BDI intraoperatively (P value < 0.0001). Resident teaching cases were protective with a RR score of 0.56 (P value < 0.0001). The presence of cholecystitis increased the risk of a BDI with a RR score of 1.20 (P value < 0.0001). There was a low conversion rate of 0.04% however converted cases had a nearly hundredfold increase in BDI at 15% (P value < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomies in North America is no longer associated with higher BDI rates compared to open. IOC use still is not protective against BDI, and cholecystitis continues to be a risk factor for BDI. When a cholecystectomy requires conversion from a laparoscopic to an open approach the BDI increases a hundredfold; which may raise the concern if this approach is still a safe bailout method for a difficult laparoscopic dissection.

Time Course of Blood Pressure Decrease After Bariatric Surgery in Normotensive and Hypertensive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery leads to remission of several obesity-related comorbidities, including hypertension. Although antihypertensive medication use is decreased after bariatric surgery, the exact time course of decrease in blood pressure after surgery is not known. METHODS: A database of patients undergoing bariatric surgery at our institute was used to study the effect of surgery on time course of blood pressure changes. Data from surgeries performed between January 2010 and December 2012 were used. RESULTS: Maximum blood pressure and body weight decreases were observed at 2 weeks and 1 year after surgery, respectively. Average decrease in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 4.46 mmHg (61.5 ± 17.1% of maximal decrease) and 7.17 mmHg (maximum decrease) at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery, when the decrease in body weight is 22.8 ± 1.6 and 28 ± 1.4% of maximal weight loss, respectively. In hypertensive patients, MAP decreased from 98.5 ± 0.78 to 92.3 ± 1.76 and 93.1 ± 0.92 mmHg at 1 and 2 weeks post-surgery, respectively. In normotensive patients, the MAP decreased from 96.2 ± 0.79 to 88.7 ± 1.25, 90.0 ± 0.94, 86.5 ± 1.35, 88.0 ± 1.13, and 86.4 ± 2.13 mmHg at 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 and 3 years after surgery, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that significant decrease in MAP occurs within 2 weeks after bariatric surgery in hypertensive as well as normotensive patients. Future studies are required to investigate the weight-independent mechanisms of blood pressure decreases after bariatric surgery.

Esophageal Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation as a Novel Approach to Post-bariatric Surgery Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in patients with GERD after bariatric surgery. METHODS: Pre- and post-operative GERD quality of life (G-QOL) surveys were conducted. Standard indications (SI) group or the post-bariatric group (PB) created. Outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients analyzed with no losses to follow-up. All patients had preoperative testing confirming normal motility and presence of GERD. No patients were lost to follow-up. The PB group (N = 10) were mostly prior sleeve gastrectomies (N = 8) with two previous gastric bypasses. PB patients required larger MSA device size (16 beads) compared to the SI group (14 beads, p < 0.001). Outcomes were no different with percent improvement between pre- and post-operative G-QOL survey scores with 70% improvement for PB and 84% for SI (p = 0.13). Medication cessation was possible in 90% for PB versus 94% for SI (p = 0.99). Rates of post-operative dysphagia were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although larger prospective randomized studies are needed, there is an exciting potential for the role of MSA, providing surgeons a new and much needed tool in their armamentarium against refractory or de novo GERD after bariatric procedures.

Institutional Improvement in Weight Loss after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a recent addition to the bariatric surgery armamentarium. It has been demonstrated to be an efficacious stand-alone bariatric procedure in regard to weight loss. This study evaluates the progress of our initial experience with LSG. Retrospective review of prospective data from 2008 to 2010. Compared data between our first operative year of experience with LSG (2008) and our third year of experience (2010). Data compared for up to three years postoperatively. End points were percentage of excess body weight loss (%EWL) and percentage of excess body mass index loss (%EBL). Institutional improvement in %EWL and %EBL rates as our collective experience increased with LSG. Mean increase in %EWL of 14 per cent and mean increase of %EBL of 22 per cent. In our first year performing LSG the institutional weight loss was <50 per cent EWL, which is often cited as a benchmark level for "success" after bariatric surgery. By our third year of experience with LSG we achieved an institutional weight loss >50 per cent EWL. Institutional improvement in weight loss results with LSG as the collective experience increased. Several factors could have contributed to this observation to include a surgical mentorship program and the institution of formal nutritional education. This study demonstrates that institutional experience is a significant factor in weight loss results with LSG.

Randomized trial of OFIRMEV versus placebo for pain management after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: OFIRMEV is an intravenous form of acetaminophen approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an antipyretic and treatment of mild to moderate pain alone or in conjunction with opioid medications. Intravenous APAP use in postsurgical pain management has been reported to decrease opioid usage, time to rescue dose, and subjective pain. OBJECTIVES: We used a placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind study to test the efficacy of OFIRMEV in decreasing opioid use and subjective pain after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. SETTING: U.S. military training hospital. METHODS: Thirty-four patients who met criteria were enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 separate limbs of the study. The OFIRMEV and placebo groups had similar mean age ranges (48±11 and 50±11 yr) and a female/male ratio of 5:1 and 6:1, respectively. The patients received an intraoperative dose and then postoperative administration of intravenous OFIRMEV 1 g or placebo every 6 hours for 24 hours in addition to fentanyl via patient-controlled analgesia. Subjective pain scores, the total amount of fentanyl used, time to rescue of first narcotic dose, and total postanesthesia care unit (PACU) narcotic use were measured during the first 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Subjective pain score was significantly decreased compared with baseline at 12, 16, and 20 hours after surgery in OFIRMEV-treated patients but not in the placebo group. However, total narcotic use, time to rescue of first narcotic dose, and total PACU narcotic dose were not statistically different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Intravenous OFIRMEV use caused a modest but statistically significant decrease in subjective pain without affecting narcotic use after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. (Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;0:000-00.) © 2015 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.

Does Preoperative Weight Change Predict Postoperative Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Background: Some institutions and insurance companies mandate a preoperative weight loss regimen prior to bariatric surgery. Previous studies suggest little to no correlation between preoperative and postoperative weight loss for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNYGB). This study examined the impact of preoperative weight change for patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing LSG at the authors' institution from 2010 to 2012. Patients were grouped based on preoperative weight gain or loss. The correlation between preoperative BMI change and postoperative BMI change was studied, as well as length of surgery. Results: Of 141 patients with 1-year follow-up, 72 lost, six maintained, and 64 gained weight preoperatively. Percentage of excess BMI loss at 1 year was not statistically different between those who lost weight and those who gained weight. Percent change in BMI from initial visit to surgery does not correlate with change in BMI at 1 year postoperatively or with length of surgery. Conclusions: Preoperative weight loss is not a reliable predictor of postoperative weight loss or shorter operative time after LSG. Potential patients who otherwise meet indications for LSG should not be denied based on inability to lose weight.

Outcomes of surgical management for popliteal artery aneurysms: an analysis of 583 cases.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze outcomes of surgical management for popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA). METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data regarding operations for PAA obtained from 123 United States Veterans Affairs Medical Centers as part of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used to characterize 33 risk factors and their associations with 30-day morbidity and mortality. Survival and amputation rates, observed at one and two years after surgery, were subject to life-table and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: There were 583 operations for PAA in 537 patients during 1994-2005. Almost all were in men (99.8%) and median age was 69 years (range, 34 to 92 years). Most had multiple co-morbidities, 88% were ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class 3 or 4, and 81% were current or past smokers (median pack-years = 50). Only 16% were diabetic. Serious complications occurred in 69 (11.8%) cases, of which 37 (6.3%) required arterial-specific reinterventions. Eight patients died within 30 days, a mortality of 1.4%. Risk factors associated with increased complications included: African-American race (odds ratio [OR] 2.8 [95% confidence interval 1.5-5.2], P = .002), emergency surgery (OR 3.8 [2.0-7.0], P < .0001), ASA 4 (OR 1.9 [1.1-3.5], P = .04), dependent functional status (OR 2.5 [1.4-4.7], P = .004), steroid use (OR 3.2 [1.2-8.7], P = .03), and need for intraoperative red blood cell transfusion of any quantity (OR 6.3 [3.5-11.2], P < .0001). Independent predictors for complications in the multivariate model were dependent functional status (adjusted OR 2.1 [1.1-4.3], P = .049) and intraoperative transfusion (adjusted OR 4.5 [2.3-8.9], P = .0002). Postoperative bleeding complications within 72 hours independently predicted early amputation (adjusted OR 25.5 [1.7-393], P = .02). Unadjusted patient survival was 92.6% at one year and 86.1% at two years. Limb salvage in surviving patients was 99.0% at 30 days, 97.6% at one year, and 96.2% at two years. Dependent preoperative functional status was the only factor predictive of worse two-year limb salvage (adjusted OR 4.6 [1.9-10.9], P = .001), but remained high at 88.2% versus 97.1% in independent patients. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention for PAA is associated with low operative mortality and offers excellent two-year limb salvage, even in high-risk patients. Patients' preoperative functional status and perioperative blood transfusion requirements were the most predictive indicators of negative outcomes.

Hemorrhagic shock secondary to rupture of a right gastroepiploic artery aneurysm: Case report and brief review of splanchnic artery aneurysms.

A case of a 78-year-old woman who presented with hemorrhagic shock and abdominal pain, and who was subsequently found to have a ruptured aneurysm of the right gastroepiploic artery, is presented. She underwent open surgical resection of the aneurysm without any significant postoperative complication. A brief review of splanchnic artery aneurysms with regard to their incidence, presentation and approaches for repair is also presented.

Transforming growth factor-beta and wound healing.

Acute and chronic wounds are a source of significant morbidity for patients, and they demand a growing portion of health-care time and finances to be devoted to their care. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has surfaced from abundant research as a key signal in orchestrating wound repair. In beginning this review, we discuss the inflammatory, proliferative, and maturational phases of wound healing. We then focus on TGF-beta by first discussing the pathway from its production to the target cell where Smad proteins execute an intracellular signaling cascade. To review TGF-beta's role in wound healing, we discuss the actions of it individually on keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and monocytes, which are the major cell types involved in wound repair. From illustrating these cellular actions of TGF-beta, we summarize its multipotent role in the process of wound repair. As a clinical correlation, we also review research dedicated to the involvement of TGF-beta in venous stasis ulcers.

Late fascial closure in lieu of ventral hernia: the next step in open abdomen management.

BACKGROUND: The use of open abdomen techniques in damage control laparotomy and abdominal compartment syndrome has led to development of several methods of temporary abdominal closure. All of these methods require creation of a planned hernia with later reconstruction in patients unable to undergo fascial closure in the early postoperative period. We review a method of late primary fascial closure, thus eliminating the need for delayed reconstruction in some patients. METHODS: The records of all patients managed with open abdomens over a 5-year period at a Level I trauma center were reviewed for injury characteristics, operative treatment, final abdominal closure type and timing, and outcome. Patients requiring open abdomen who were unable to undergo fascial closure in the early postoperative period were managed with a vacuum-assisted fascial closure (VAFC) technique. This allows for constant tension on the wound edges and facilitates late fascial closure. Patients managed with planned hernia (HERNIA group) were compared with those undergoing fascial closure > or = 9 days after initial laparotomy (LATE group) for injury severity, fistula rate, and mortality. All patients in the LATE group underwent VAFC. RESULTS: From September 1996 to October 2001, 148 patients required management with an open abdomen. Fifty-nine underwent fascial closure, 37 of these before postoperative day 9 and 22 on or after day 9. Mean time to closure in the LATE group was 21 days (range, 9-49 days). Injury Severity Scores were similar in the HERNIA and LATE groups (26 vs. 30, p = 0.28), as were admission base deficit (-8.8 vs. -9.5, p = 0.71), number of fistulas (1 vs. 0, p = 0.99), and mortality (17% vs. 14%, p = 0.99). CONCLUSION: VAFC enables late fascial closure in open abdomen patients up to a month after initial laparotomy. Complication rates do not differ from patients with planned hernia, and the need for future abdominal wall reconstruction is avoided.