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.

[Abdominal compartment syndrome in visceral surgery and intensive care medicine : Causes, prevention, detection, treatment]. / Abdominelles Kompartmentsyndrom in der Viszeralchirurgie und Intensivmedizin : Ursachen, Prävention, Erkennung, Therapie.

An increased intra-abdominal pressure can result in a manifest abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) with significant organ damage, which is a life-threatening situation associated with a high mortality. Although the etiology is manifold and critically ill patients on the intensive care unit are particularly endangered, the disease is often not diagnosed even though the measurement of bladder pressure is available as a simple and standardized method; however, particularly the early detection of an increased intra-abdominal pressure is decisive in order to prevent the occurrence of a manifest ACS with (multi)organ failure by means of conservative measures. In cases of a conservative refractory situation, decompressive laparotomy is indicated.

Using a Fluid Resuscitation Algorithm to Reduce the Incidence of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in the Burn Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Patients with large burns must be carefully resuscitated to balance adequate tissue perfusion with the risk of end-organ damage. One devastating complication of overresuscitation is abdominal compartment syndrome. Reducing the volume of fluids given during resuscitation may reduce the incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome and improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether decreasing fluid resuscitation volume in a burn center reduced the incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved all patients with severe burns (total body surface area ≥20%) who were admitted to a burn intensive care unit over 4 years (n = 166). Primary outcomes were required fluid volume, whether differences in the patient characteristics measured affected outcomes, rate of abdominal compartment syndrome, and incidence of abdominal hypertension. After the first 2 years, the Parkland fluid resuscitation algorithm was modified to decrease the volume goal, and patients were assessed for the incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome and related complications such as kidney failure, abdominal hypertension, and ventilator days. RESULTS: A total of 16% of patients resuscitated using the Parkland equation experienced abdominal compartment syndrome compared with 10% of patients resuscitated using the modified algorithm, a difference of 6 percentage points (P = .39). Average volume administered was 11.8 L using the Parkland formula and 9.4 L using the modified algorithm (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Despite a significant decrease in the amount of fluid administered, no significant difference was found in incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome or urine output. Matched prospective studies are needed to improve resuscitation care for patients with large burns.

Urinary catheter monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure after major abdominal surgery, a cost-benefit analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate costs and benefits associated with measurement of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). METHODS: We built a cost-benefit analysis from the hospital facility perspective and time horizon limited to hospitalization for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery for the intervention of urinary catheter monitoring of IAP. We used real-world data estimating the likelihood of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Costs included catheter costs (estimated $200), costs of additional intensive care unit (ICU) days from IAH and ACS, and costs of CRRT. We took the preventability of IAH/ACS given early detection from a trial of non-surgical interventions in IAH. We evaluated uncertainty through probabilistic sensitivity analysis and the effect of individual model parameters on the primary outcome of cost savings through one-way sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: In the base case, urinary catheter monitoring of IAP in the perioperative period of major abdominal surgery had 81% fewer cases of IAH of any grade, 64% fewer cases of AKI, and 96% fewer cases of ACS. Patients had 1.5 fewer ICU days attributable to IAH (intervention 1.6 days vs. control of 3.1 days) and a total average cost reduction of $10,468 (intervention $10,809, controls $21,277). In Monte Carlo simulation, 86% of 1,000 replications were cost-saving, for a mean cost savings of $10,349 (95% UCI $8,978, $11,720) attributable to real-time urinary catheter monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure. One-way factor analysis showed the pre-test probability of IAH had the largest effect on cost savings and the intervention was cost-neutral at a prevention rate as low as 2%. CONCLUSIONS: In a cost-benefit model using real-world data, the potential average in-hospital cost savings for urinary catheter monitoring of IAP for early detection and prevention of IAH, ACS, and AKI far exceed the cost of the catheter.

Do we have the guts to go? The abdominal compartment, intra-abdominal hypertension, the human microbiome and exploration class space missions.

Humans are destined to explore space, yet critical illness and injury may be catastrophically limiting for extraterrestrial travel. Humans are superorganisms living in symbiosis with their microbiomes, whose genetic diversity dwarfs that of humans. Symbiosis is critical and imbalances are associated with disease, occurring within hours of serious illness and injury. There are many characteristics of space flight that negatively influence the microbiome, especially deep space itself, with its increased radiation and absence of gravity. Prolonged weightlessness causes many physiologic changes that are detrimental; some resemble aging and will adversely affect the ability to tolerate critical illness or injury and subsequent treatment. Critical illness-induced intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) may induce malperfusion of both the viscera and microbiome, with potentially catastrophic effects. Evidence from animal models confirms profound IAH effects on the gut, namely ischemia and disruption of barrier function, mechanistically linking IAH to resultant organ dysfunction. Therefore, a pathologic dysbiome, space-induced immune dysfunction and a diminished cardiorespiratory reserve with exacerbated susceptibility to IAH, imply that a space-deconditioned astronaut will be vulnerable to IAH-induced gut malperfusion. This sets the stage for severe gut ischemia and massive biomediator generation in an astronaut with reduced cardiorespiratory/immunological capacity. Fortunately, experiments in weightless analogue environments suggest that IAH may be ameliorated by conformational abdominal wall changes and a resetting of thoracoabdominal mechanics. Thus, review of the interactions of physiologic changes with prolonged weightlessness and IAH is required to identify appropriate questions for planning exploration class space surgical care.

L'humanité est à l'aube d'une nouvelle ère d'exploration spatiale, mais le risque de maladies et blessures graves pourrait restreindre de manière catastrophique le potentiel des voyages dans l'espace. L'être humain est un superorganisme vivant en symbiose avec son microbiote, dont la diversité génétique éclipse celle de l'hôte. Cette symbiose est essentielle : tout déséquilibre est associé à une dégradation de l'état de santé dans les heures suivant l'occurrence d'une blessure ou d'une maladie grave. Bon nombre de caractéristiques propres au vol spatial ont des répercussions négatives sur le microbiote; l'espace lointain présente des dangers particuliers en raison de l'exposition accrue au rayonnement et de l'absence de gravité. L'exposition prolongée à l'apesanteur cause une myriade de changements physiologiques nuisant à la santé. Certains ressemblent à des processus de vieillissement et réduiront la capacité à tolérer une blessure ou une maladie grave et son traitement. L'hypertension intra-abdominale (HIA) causée par une maladie grave peut réduire la perfusion des viscères et du microbiote, ce qui peut avoir des conséquences catastrophiques. Des études sur modèle animal ont confirmé les effets profondément délétères de l'HIA sur les intestins par l'apparition d'une ischémie et une altération de la barrière intestinale; cette découverte permettrait d'établir un lien mécanistique entre l'HIA et la défaillance d'organes résultante. Par conséquent, une dysbiose pathologique, associée à un dysfonctionnement immunitaire en apesanteur et à une réduction de la réserve cardiorespiratoire accompagnée d'une exacerbation de la susceptibilité à l'HIA, pourrait signifier qu'un astronaute exposé à l'effet déconditionnant de l'apesanteur serait vulnérable aux problèmes de perfusion de l'intestin découlant de l'HIA. Ce problème pourrait à son tour mener à une ischémie intestinale grave et à une production massive de biomédiateurs chez un astronaute présentant déjà une capacité cardiorespiratoire et immunitaire réduite. Heureusement, des expériences dans des environnements simulant l'apesanteur semblent indiquer que les effets de l'HIA pourraient être contrés par des changements conformationnels de la paroi abdominale et un rétablissement de la mécanique thoracoabdominale. Par conséquent, un examen des interactions des changements physiologiques associés à un état d'apesanteur prolongé et à l'HIA est requis pour déterminer les questions à poser afin de planifier adéquatement les soins chirurgicaux en contexte d'exploration spatiale.

Intracranial Hypertension and Intra-abdominal Pressure. Is it Worth Measuring?

Patients with refractory intracranial hypertension who have already undergone all the measures recommended by the current guidelines can benefit from having their intraabdominal pressure monitored since its increase generates hemodynamic repercussions and secondary elevation of intracranial pressure. In this context, a bibliographic research was performed on PubMed with the terms intra-abdominal pressure, abdominal compartment syndrome, intracranial pressure, intracranial hypertension. Altogether, 146 articles were observed, 87 of which were from the year 2000, and only 15 articles were considered relevant to the topic. These studies indicate that patients with refractory intracranial hypertension can benefit fromthe measurement of intraabdominal pressure, since there is evidence that an increase in this pressure leads to organic dysfunctions with an indirect impact on cerebral venous return and, consequently, an increase in intracranial pressure. In thosewho underwent decompression laparotomy, direct effectswere observed in reducing intracranial hypertension and survival.

Entero-atmospheric fistula migration: a new management alternative for complex septic open abdomen.

The open abdomen technique is a surgical strategy used in life-threatening conditions. After recognizing the morbidity and mortality attributed to abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), several methods were developed to avoid this complication. The primary goal of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) is to create a tension-free closure of the abdomen without increasing intra-abdominal pressure. The optimal method of TAC should contain and protect the contents of the peritoneal cavity from external contamination and injury, preserve fascia; minimize desiccation and damage to viscera, remove and quantify third space fluid; prevent loss of domain, lower bacterial count, inflammatory response, keep the patient's abdominal wall skin dry and intact; preserve the integrity of the abdominal wall, be simple to perform and maintain, provide ease of reentry and have minimal adverse physiologic effects. Negative pressure wound therapy allowed the TAC method to achieve these objectives, but the presence of enteric fistulas or entero-atmospheric fistulas is still a challenge for even the most experienced surgeon. Here we describe two new alternatives to manage the septic complex abdomen with entero-atmospheric fistula.

Population Pharmacokinetic Study of the Suitability of Standard Dosing Regimens of Amikacin in Critically Ill Patients with Open-Abdomen and Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy.

The aim was to assess the appropriateness of recommended regimens for empirical MIC coverage in critically ill patients with open-abdomen and negative-pressure therapy (OA/NPT). Over a 5-year period, every critically ill patient who received amikacin and who underwent therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) while being treated by OA/NPT was retrospectively included. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling was performed considering the effect of 10 covariates (age, sex, total body weight [TBW], adapted body weight [ABW], body surface area [BSA], modified sepsis-related organ failure assessment [SOFA] score, vasopressor use, creatinine clearance [CLCR], fluid balance, and amount of fluids collected by the NPT over the sampling day) in patients who underwent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) or did not receive CRRT. Monte Carlo simulations were employed to determine the fractional target attainment (FTA) for the PK/pharmacodynamic [PD] targets (maximum concentration of drug [Cmax]/MIC ratio of ≥8 and a ratio of the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h [AUC0-24]/MIC of ≥75). Seventy critically ill patients treated by OA/NPT (contributing 179 concentration values) were included. Amikacin PK concentrations were best described by a two-compartment model with linear elimination and proportional residual error, with CLCR and ABW as significant covariates for volume of distribution (V) and CLCR for CL. The reported V) in non-CRRT and CRRT patients was 35.8 and 40.2 liters, respectively. In Monte Carlo simulations, ABW-adjusted doses between 25 and 35 mg/kg were needed to reach an FTA of >85% for various renal functions. Despite an increased V and a wide interindividual variability, desirable PK/PD targets may be achieved using an ABW-based loading dose of 25 to 30 mg/kg. When less susceptible pathogens are targeted, higher dosing regimens are probably needed in patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC). Further studies are needed to assess the effect of OA/NPT on the PK parameters of antimicrobial agents.

Intraabdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome after pelvic fractures: How they occur and what can be done?

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding intraabdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome (IAH/ACS) after pelvic fractures. We aimed to explore risk factors for IAH/ACS in pelvic fracture patients, assess the physiological effects of decompressive laparotomy (DL) on IAH/ACS, and generate an algorithm to manage IAH/ACS after pelvic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pelvic fracture patients were included based on the presence of IAH/ACS. Intraabdominal pressure (IAP) was measured through a Foley catheter. DL was performed in patients with refractory IAH or ACS. Multivariable linear regression was applied to assess associations between IAP levels (≥12 mmHg) and age, sex, injury severity score (ISS), pelvic fracture, volume of resuscitation fluids over 24 h and hemoglobin values. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples was used to compare variables before and after DL. RESULTS: Among 455 pelvic fracture patients, 44 (9.7%) and 5 (1.1%) were diagnosed with IAH and ACS, respectively. The volume of resuscitation fluids over 24 h exhibited a significant positive correlation with IAP levels (≥12 mmHg) (p = 0.002). The main findings during DL were edematous bowel (11/20) and retroperitoneal hematoma (7/20). DL caused a significant decrease in the mean IAP from 24.4 ± 8.5 mmHg to 13.4 ± 4.0 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Physiological parameters (APP, PaO2/FIO2 ratio, PIP, arterial lactate and UOP) were significantly improved after DL. The mortality rate was 15% in patients who underwent DL and 40% in ACS patients. CONCLUSIONS: IAH/ACS is common in pelvic fracture patients. The most effective method to decrease IAP in pelvic fracture patients is DL. Prophylactic DL is important for decreasing mortality as it prevents IAH from progressing to ACS. Massive fluid resuscitation is a significant risk factor for IAH/ACS. A pathway incorporating prophylactic/therapeutic DL and optimized fluid resuscitation to prevent and manage IAH/ACS after pelvic fractures may reduce morbidity and mortality.

Cirugía de control de daños abdominopélvica. Experiencia en un hospital de 3er Nivel / Abdominopelvic damage control surgery

La cirugía de control de daños (CCD), surge con el afán de mejorar los pobres resultados obtenidos con el abordaje quirúrgico tradicional en traumatismos abdominales graves y exanguinantes en pacientes críticos con escasa reserva fisiológica. Se define con una "cirugía por etapas", con un primer tiempo quirúrgico corto para controlar el sangrado y la contaminación con cierre temporario abdominal, seguido de un período de reanimación en unidad de cuidados intensivos y, finalmente, de reparación definitiva de las lesiones. Se revisaron las histrias clínicas de 41 pacientes sometidos a éste tipo de cirugía en el período comprendido entre marzo de 2011 y octubre de 2017 en el Hospital Municipal de Urgencias de la ciudad de Córdoba, 29 hombres y 12 mujeres, en cuanto al mecanismo lesional 23 casos fueron por trauma cerrado y 18 penetrantes. La edad promedio fue de 30 años, 28 pacientes presentaron lesiones asociadas, siendo las más frecuentes las torácicas en 14 pacientes y la mortalidad global de la serie del 41% (17 pacientes). El grupo etario involucrado, la distribución por sexo, y la mortalidad de nuestra serie no difiere de la bibliografía consultada

Damaage control surgery (CCD) arises with the aim of imporving the poor results obtained with the traditional surgical approach in severe and exanguinating abdominal trauma in critically ill patients with scarce physiological reserve. It is defined as a "step surgery", with a short surgical first time to control bleeding and contamination with temporary abdominal closure, followed by a period of resuscitation in the intensive care unit and, finally, definitive repair of the injuries. We revierwed the medical rcords of 41 patients undergoing this type of surgery in the period between arch 2011 and October 2017 at the Municipal Emergenci Hospital of the city of Córdoba, 29 men and 12 women, regarding the mechanism of injury 23 cases were due to closed trauma and 18 penetrating. The average age was 30 years, 28 patients had associated injuries, the most frequent being thoracic in 14 patients and the overall mortality of the series of 41% (17 patients). The age group involved, the distributin by sex, and the mortality of our series does not differ from the bibliography consulted

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

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

Micro-ureteroscopy vs. ureteroscopy: effects of miniaturization on renal vascularization and intrapelvic pressure.

PURPOSE: Ureteroscopy (URS) is related to complications, as fever or postoperative urinary sepsis, due to high intrapelvic pressure (IPP) during the procedure. Micro-ureteroscopy (m-URS) aims to reduce morbidity by miniaturizing the instrument. The objective of this study is to compare IPP and changes in renal haemodynamics, while performing m-URS vs. conventional URS. METHODS: A porcine model involving 14 female pigs was used in this experimental study. Two surgeons performed 7 URS (8/9.8 Fr), for 45 min, and 7 m-URS (4.85 Fr), for 60 min, representing a total of 28 procedures in 14 animals. A catheter pressure transducer measured IPP every 5 min. Haemodynamic parameters were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. The volume of irrigation fluid employed in each procedure was also measured. RESULTS: The range of average pressures was 5.08-14.1 mmHg in the m-URS group and 6.08-20.64 mmHg in the URS (NS). 30 mmHg of IPP were not reached in 90% of renal units examined with m-URS, as compared to 65% of renal units in the URS group. Mean peak diastolic velocity decreased from 15.93 to 15.22 cm/s (NS) in the URS group and from 19.26 to 12.87 cm/s in the m-URS group (p < 0.01). Mean resistive index increased in both groups (p < 0.01). Irrigation fluid volume used was 485 mL in the m-URS group and 1475 mL in the URS group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: m-URS requires less saline irrigation volumes than the conventional ureteroscopy and increases renal IPP to a lesser extent.

Negative pressure wound therapy in pediatric surgery: How and when to use.

INTRODUCTION: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely adopted to treat laparostomy, abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and complicated wounds associated with tissue loss. The method presents specific aspects, advantages and indications in Pediatrics. Our aim is to review the evidence available about NPWT in children. METHODS: Active search for papers about NPWT in Pediatric patients. Papers referring to orthopedic problems, wound complications after Cardiac Surgery or burns were excluded. RESULTS: The method shows good results to treat ACS, complicated wounds and abdominal wall malformations in neonates, including prematures. Periwound skin protection, monitoring of fluid losses and fine tuning of negative pressure levels according to age are necessary. Less pain, quicker recovery, less frequent dressing changes, possible recovery of exposed surgical hardware, granulation and shrinkage of the wound are advantages of the method over other kinds of dressing. NPWT is contraindicated over blood vessels and exposed nerves. Debridement is needed before usage over necrotic areas. Enteric fistulae are not contraindications. Complications are rare, mainly foam retention and dermatitis/skin maceration. The possibility of fistulae being caused by NPWT remains debatable. CONCLUSION: NPWT is widely used in Pediatrics, including neonates and premature, but the evidence available about the method is scarce and low quality. Complications are uncommon and mostly manageable. A possible causal relationship between NPWY and enteric fistula remains unclear. Adult devices and parameters have been adapted to children's use. Extra care is needed to protect the delicate tissues of Pediatric patients. Comparative research to define differential costs, indications and advantages of the method, specific indications and limits of NWTP in Pediatrics is needed. TYPE OF STUDY: Review. EVIDENCE LEVEL: IV.

The effects of nursing activities on the intra-abdominal pressure of patients at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) occurs frequently in critically ill patients, and adds to their morbidity and mortality. There is no published evidence on the effects of nursing activities on the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) for patients at risk of IAH. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of hygiene care on the IAP of patients at risk for IAH. METHODS: Hygiene care was provided to 34 at-risk patients. IAP was measured prior to initiating the hygiene care, immediately after and 10 minutes later. This was a quasi-experimental, pre-test/ post-test design. RESULTS: The 10 minute post-hygiene care measurement of the IAP was significantly lower than the pre or immediate post-measurement of the IAP. There were no significant changes in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) or the abdominal perfusion pressure (APP). CONCLUSIONS: It is safe and possibly therapeutic to provide hygiene care to patients at risk for IAH.

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

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

Preparación preoperatoria de la hernia con pérdida de domicilio. Neumoperitoneo progresivo y toxina botulínica tipo A / Preoperative preparation of «loss of domain» hernia. Progressive pneumoperitoneum and botulinum toxin type A

El neumoperitoneo progresivo preoperatorio y la toxina botulínica tipo A son herramientas útiles en la preparación de los pacientes con hernias gigantes que han perdido el domicilio. Ambos procedimientos son armas complementarias del procedimiento quirúrgico, especialmente con el uso de técnicas protésicas sin tensión, que permiten el manejo integral de estos pacientes. Este artículo tiene por objeto actualizar conceptos relacionados con ambos procedimientos, incidiendo en las ventajas que aportan en el manejo preoperatorio de las hernias gigantes que han perdido el domicilio (AU)

Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and botulinum toxin type A are useful tools in the preparation of patients with loss of domain hernias. Both procedures are complementary in the surgical repair, especially with the use of prosthetic techniques without tension, that allow a integral management of these patients. The aim of this paper is to update concepts related to both procedures, emphasizing the advantages that take place in the preoperative management of loss of domain hernias (AU)

Temporary Vacuum-Assisted Closure of the Open Abdomen in Neonates.

Introduction The need for open abdomen in the treatment of severely ill neonates will increase in time as more complex abdominal procedures are undertaken. However, the experience of temporary closure of an open abdomen using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system is still relatively limited in premature and term neonates. The aim of this study is to describe and review our experience in the use of temporary VAC of the open abdomen for neonates with varying pathological processes. Materials and Methods A retrospective folder review of all neonates treated with VAC for open abdomen over the study period of 2010 to 2014 at our institution was performed. Results A total of 15 neonates were included in this study. Mean gestational age and postbirth age at VAC application were 33.6 ± 4.1 (28-40) weeks and 14 ± 10.2 (2-30) days, respectively. Mean weight at VAC application was 1,797.7 ± 730.8 (960-3,200) g. Initial diagnoses were necrotizing enterocolitis (seven), intestinal perforation (three), gastroschisis (two), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (two), and primary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) (one). Reasons for VAC application included confirmed ACS (2) and application to prevent ACS (13). Duration of VAC use was 4 ± 3.4 (0-13) days during which 2 ± 1.2 (1-5) applications were performed. Overall survival rate was 80% (12 of 15 patients). One patient with primary ACS died from sepsis with an open abdomen. The only potential VAC-related complication was an enterocutaneous fistula. Conclusion Temporary VAC of the open abdomen is a safe method of temporary abdominal closure to prevent ACS in high-risk postoperative conditions in neonates of any gestational age and birth weight.

Recent developments in the surgical management of complex intra-abdominal infection.

BACKGROUND: Current guidance on the management of sepsis often applies to infection originating from abdominal or pelvic sources, which presents specific challenges and opportunities for efficient and rapid source control. Advances made in the past decade are presented in this article. METHODS: A qualitative systematic review was undertaken by searching standard literature databases for English-language studies presenting original data on the clinical management of abdominal and pelvic complex infection in adults over the past 10 years. High-quality studies relevant to five topical themes that emerged during review were included. RESULTS: Important developments and promising preliminary work are presented, relating to: imaging and other diagnostic modalities; antimicrobial therapy and the importance of antimicrobial stewardship; the particular challenges posed by fungal sepsis; novel techniques in percutaneous and endoscopic source control; and current issues relating to surgical source control and managing the abdominal wound. Logistical challenges relating to rapid access to cross-sectional imaging, interventional radiology and operating theatres need to be addressed so that international benchmarks can be met. CONCLUSION: Important advances have been made in the diagnosis, non-operative and surgical control of abdominal or pelvic sources, which may improve outcomes in the future. Important areas for continued research include the diagnosis and therapy of fungal infection and the challenges of managing the open abdomen.

[Evaluation of clinical efficacy of serotonin adipate in treatment and prevention of enteral insufficiency syndrome at generalized peritonitis]. / Otsenka klinicheskoi effektivnosti preparata serotonina adipinat v lechenii i profilaktike sindroma enteral'noi nedostatochnosti pri rasprostranennom peritonite.

AIM: To substantiate pathogenetic expediency and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the drug use serotonin adipate (dinaton) in a complex correction enteral insufficiency syndrome (EIN) in patients with generalized peritonitis (GP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The comparative analysis of results of treatment of 182 patients with GP, which in principle approach to EIN correction in the postoperative period were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 92 patients who received standard intensive therapy using conventional methods of stimulation of intestinal peristalsis. Group II consisted of 90 patients on a background of standard treatment was carried further pharmacological stimulation of intestinal motility drug serotonin adipate (dinaton). The research program included an assessment of clinical parameters intestinal motility recovery, evaluation of the severity of the patients on a scale of APACHE II, determining the blood levels of serotonin and the level of the main biomarkers of systemic inflammatory response (SIR), the study of blood flow in the vessels of splanchnic bed, the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure with the calculation of intraperitoneal perfusion pressure. RESULTS: It is found that the development and progression of abdominal inflammation is accompanied by a sharp decrease in blood serotonin level is in phase III GP decreases 4.7 times compared to the control value. It is shown that using of serotonin adipate (dinaton) in treatment of patients with GP promotes early recovery of intestinal motility and the resolution of EIN, the elimination of intra-abdominal hypertension and disorders of splanchnic blood flow, as well as the rapid regression of the manifestations of the SIR and endotoxemia. Postoperative mortality in group I patients was 28.3% in group II - 20.0%. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of serotonin adipate (dinaton) in the complex corrective therapy standard in the postoperative period in GP patients is pathogenetically justified, as it promotes early restoration of motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract, the elimination of intestinal paresis and resolution of EIN, which leads to an improvement of results of surgical treatment of this patients.

International consensus conference on open abdomen in trauma.

BACKGROUND: A part of damage-control laparotomy is to leave the fascial edges and the skin open to avoid abdominal compartment syndrome and allow further explorations. This condition, known as open abdomen (OA), although effective, is associated with severe complications. Our aim was to develop evidence-based recommendations to define indications for OA, techniques for temporary abdominal closure, management of enteric fistulas, and methods of definitive wall closure. METHODS: The literature from 1990 to 2014 was systematically screened according to PRISMA [Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses] protocol. Seventy-six articles were reviewed by a panel of experts to assign grade of recommendations (GoR) and level of evidence (LoE) using the GRADE [Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation] system, and an international consensus conference was held. RESULTS: OA in trauma is indicated at the end of damage-control laparotomy, in the presence of visceral swelling, for a second look in vascular injuries or gross contamination, in the case of abdominal wall loss, and if medical treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome has failed (GoR B, LoE II). Negative-pressure wound therapy is the recommended temporary abdominal closure technique to drain peritoneal fluid, improve nursing, and prevent fascial retraction (GoR B, LoE I). Lack of OA closure within 8 days (GoR C, LoE II), bowel injuries, high-volume replacement, and use of polypropylene mesh over the bowel (GoR C, LoE I) are risk factors for frozen abdomen and fistula formation. Negative-pressure wound therapy allows to isolate the fistula and protect the surrounding tissues from spillage until granulation (GoR C, LoE II). Correction of fistula is performed after 6 months to 12 months. Definitive closure of OA has to be obtained early (GoR C, LoE I) with direct suture, traction devices, component separation with or without mesh. Biologic meshes are an option for wall reinforcement if bacterial contamination is present (GoR C, LoE II). CONCLUSION: OA and negative-pressure techniques improve the care of trauma patients, but closure must be achieved early to avoid complications.