Use of controlled fascial tension and an adhesion preventing barrier to achieve delayed primary fascial closure in patients managed with an open abdomen

Open management of the abdomen has become an accepted technique for both the treatment and the prevention of abdominal compartment syndrome. It has also gained popularity as a treatment option in situations requiring multiple laparotomies such as uncontrolled intra-abdominal infections and severe abdominal injury necessitating damage control surgery. A significant number of patients managed with the open abdomen technique are unable to undergo complete abdominal wall closure and consequently develop large, complex anterior abdominal wall hernias. We report the use of a controlled fascial tensioning device, the Wittmann Patch (Starsurgical, Inc, Burlington, WI), in combination with an adhesion preventing barrier to allow for unhindered sequential medial advancement of the fascia toward the midline. The use of these 2 devices together may lead to a higher incidence of fascia-to-fascia abdominal wall closure than the use of fascial tension alone.     

腹腔室隔综合征五例的诊断和治疗

目的 总结腹腔室隔综合征（ACS）的诊断和治疗经验。方法 5例ACS病例,皆以其临床特征得出诊断,行开腹减压,用3升静脉营养输液袋暂时性关腹。结果 1例经上腹正中切口开腹减压术后死亡;4例作剑突至耻骨联合大切口开腹减压,其中1例术后窒息死亡,余3例治愈出院。死亡率40％（2／5）。结论 密切腹部体征和全身变化是发现ACS的关键;ACS一旦确诊应及时开腹充分减压,可用3升静脉营养输液暂时性关腹。     

Complications after 344 damage-control open celiotomies

BACKGROUND: We reviewed our experience with the open abdomen and hypothesized that the known high wound complication rates were related to the timing and method of wound closure. METHODS: All trauma admissions from 1995 through 2002 requiring an open abdomen and temporary abdominal coverage were included. The study group was then classified by three wound closure methods used in survivors: 1) primary (primary fascial closure); 2) temporizing (skin only, spit thickness skin graft and/or absorbable mesh), and 3) prosthetic (fascial repair using nonabsorbable prosthetic mesh). RESULTS: In all, 344 patients required an open abdomen and temporary abdominal coverage either as part of a planned staged damage-control celiotomy (66%) or the development of the abdominal compartment syndrome (33%). Of these, 276 patients survived to wound closure. Sixty-nine of the 276 (25%) suffered wound complications (wound infection, abscess, and/or fistula). Thirty-four (12%) died after wound closure; seven of the deaths as a direct result of the wound complication. Complications increased significantly after 8 days (p < 0.0001) from the initial operative intervention to fascial closure. Primary fascial closure was achieved in 180 of 276 (65%) patients. Although there was no difference in the mean Injury Severity Score between the three groups, the primary group had significantly fewer mean transfusion requirements, shorter mean time to fascial closure, and a lower complication rate as compared with either the temporizing or prosthetic groups. The primary group thus incurred significantly less mean initial hospitalization charges. CONCLUSION: Morbidity associated with wound complications from the open abdomen remains high (25%). Morbidity is associated with the timing and method of wound closure and transfusion volume, but independent on injury severity. Also, delayed primary fascial closure before 8 days is associated with the best outcomes with the least charges.     

One hundred percent fascial approximation with sequential abdominal closure of the open abdomen

BACKGROUND: Damage-control surgery and the recognition of the abdominal compartment syndrome have improved patient outcomes but at the cost of an open abdomen. Multiple techniques have been introduced to obtain fascial closure for the open abdomen to minimize morbidity and cost of care. We performed a modification of the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) technique that provided constant fascial tension, hypothesizing this would result in a higher rate of primary fascial closure. METHODS: After initial temporary closure of the abdomen after post-injury damage control or decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome, we began the sequential closure technique. The technique begins by covering the bowel with the multiple white sponges overlapped like patchwork, and the fascia is placed under moderate tension over the white sponges with #1-PDS sutures. Large black VAC sponges are placed on top of the white sponges and affixed with an occlusive dressing and standard suction tubing is placed. Patients are returned to the operating room for sequential fascial closure and replacement of the sponge sandwich every 2 days, with a resulting decrease in the fascial defect. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent sequential abdominal closure during the study period: 9 owing to damage control surgery and 5 owing to secondary abdominal compartment syndrome. Average time to closure was 7.5 +/- 1.0 days (range 4-16) and average number of laparotomies to closure was 4.6 +/- 0.5 (range 3-8). All patients attained primary fascial closure. CONCLUSION: We propose a modification of the previously described vacuum-assisted closure technique that achieves 100% fascial approximation in our limited experience. Further application and refinement of this technique may eliminate the need for delayed complex and costly reconstructive abdominal wall procedures for the open abdomen.     

Delayed primary closure in damage control laparotomy: the value of the Wittmann patch

Damage control laparotomy has become an accepted practice in trauma surgery. A number of methods leading to delayed primary closure of the abdomen have been advocated; complications are recognized with all these methods. The approach to staged repair using the Wittmann patch (Star Surgical Inc., Burlington, WI) combines the advantages of planned relaparotomy and open management, while minimizing the rate of complications. The authors hypothesized that use of the Wittmann patch would lead to a high rate of delayed primary closure of the abdomen. The patch consists of two sheets sutured to the abdominal fascia, providing for temporary closure. Advancement of the patch and abdominal exploration can be done at bedside. When the fascial edges can be reapproximated without tension, abdominal closure is performed. Twenty-six patients underwent staged abdominal closure during the study period. All were initially managed with intravenous bag closure. Eighty-three per cent (20 of 24) went on to delayed primary closure of the abdomen, with a mean time of 13.1 days from patch placement to delayed primary closure. The rate of closure using the Wittmann patch is equivalent to other commonly used methods and should be considered when managing patients with abdominal compartment syndrome or severe abdominal trauma.     

重症急性胰腺炎并发腹腔室隔综合征的诊断和治疗

总结重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)并发腹腔室隔综合征(ACS)的诊治经验。方法结合SAP病史,复苏液体量已足够时,在腹膨胀、腹壁紧张后出现心肺肾功能不全即可诊断ACS,膀胱测压作诊断辅助。诊断确立后及时开腹减压引流,3升静脉营养袋暂时性关腹。结果21例(23例次)。ACS患者中,行开腹减压术18例次,死亡3例(16．7％),未手术5例次,死亡4例(80％),总死亡率33．3％(7／21);7例死亡中,4例合并急性梗阻性化脓性胆管炎;诊断ACS5h内手术者无死亡;正规关腹多在开腹减压术后3～5d进行,最迟1例为术后8d;6例迟发性Acs均由腹腔腹膜后感染性坏死引起。结论SAP患者在SIRS和感染期均可发生ACS,并在病理基础上有其特殊性;及时诊断ACS和开腹充分减压,3升静脉营养袋暂时性关腹是治疗ACS的关键。     

The abdominal compartment syndrome

The abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) causes dysfunctions of various organs through a progressive unphysiologic increase of the intraabdominal pressure. While the primary ACS is a result of the underlying disease/injury, secondary ACS is caused by surgical interventions. In the severely injured patient intra- and/or retroperitoneal bleeding, edema of viscera due to systemic ischemia reperfusion injury following hemorrhagic shock, abdominal/pelvic packing, and laparotomy closure under tension lead to ACS. The clinical signs of ACS are a tense abdomen with a decreased abdominal wall compliance. Early signs of ACS are a rise in inspiratory pressure and oliguria. Manifest ACS results in anuria, respiratory failure, reduced intestinal perfusion, and low cardiac output syndrome. If untreated, patients die due to left ventricular failure. Diagnosis of ACS is made using the patient's history including the injury pattern, the symptoms, the time period between injury and the occurrence of organ dysfunctions, and the physiologic response to decompression. Frequent determinations of the bladder pressure represent the "golden standard" for early recognition of ACS. Decompressive laparotomy should be performed with a bladder pressure > or = 20 mmHg and rapidly restores impaired organ functions. In the case of a multiple injured patients in shock or with associated severe head injury decompressive laparotomy may even be carried out at a lower bladder pressure. The abdomen is left open. In most patients staged laparotomy is necessary. The final closure of the abdominal wall is carried out after the edema have resolved between day 6 and 8 after primary laparotomy.     

Early one-stage closure in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome: fascial replacement with human acellular dermis and bipedicle flaps

Decompressive celiotomy for the treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) often results in wounds that are difficult to close. These complicated wounds are frequently managed with a 3-staged surgical approach employing a planned ventral hernia. The authors describe an alternative closure with a single operation using a commercially available human acellular dermis (HACD) as a fascial substitute. Soft tissue coverage is obtained at the same operation by means of bilateral bipedicle flaps. The cohort consisted of 9 patients, ages 19 to 77 years old. On average patients were closed on the ninth postoperative day (range, 3 to 30 days) and were discharged from the trauma center on average 8 days (range, 5 to 29 days) after the abdominal closure. Complications developed in 3 (33%) patients. These complications included a flap hematoma, wound infection, and recurrent hernia. There were no postoperative fistulas. This procedure allows for early, single-staged closure of the abdomen after abdominal compartment syndrome. Once closed, patients were able to be discharged from the hospital early and without need for specialized wound care. Further investigation on the usefulness of this technique is required.     

Prospective evaluation of vacuum-assisted closure in abdominal compartment syndrome and severe abdominal sepsis

BACKGROUND: Open abdomen treatment because of severe abdominal sepsis and abdominal compartment syndrome remains a difficult task. Different surgical techniques are available and are often used according to the surgeon's personal experience. Recently, the abdominal vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system has been introduced, providing a new possibility to treat an open abdomen. In this study, we evaluate the role of this treatment option. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective observational cohort study includes 37 consecutive patients who were temporarily treated with VAC for severe abdominal sepsis or abdominal compartment syndrome, or both. Patients with abdominal trauma were excluded from the study. Thirty-seven patients undergoing major elective laparotomy and primary abdominal closure served as control group. Primary end points were fascial closure rate, physicoemotional recovery, and appearance outcomes 1 year after closure. Secondary end points included mortality, duration of open abdomen, length of ICU stay, and hospitalization time. RESULTS: Abdomens were left open for 23 days (range 3 to 122 days) with 3.8 dressing changes (range 1 to 22) per patient. Abdominal closure was achieved in 70% (n = 26), with no marked relation to duration of open abdomen treatment (p > 0.05). After 3 months, patients with VAC treatment recovered to a physical and mental health status similar to patients in the control group (p > 0.05). This status remained stable until the end of the study. Aesthetic outcomes (according to the Vancouver Scar Scale) were considerably poorer in the VAC group compared with controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of laparostomy with VAC for abdominal sepsis and abdominal compartment syndrome results in a high rate of successful abdominal closure. In addition, patients recover more rapidly, although hypertrophic scars might interfere with body perception. We recommend abdominal VAC system as first option if open abdomen treatment is indicated.     

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

Aim Several techniques for temporary abdominal closure have been developed. We systematically review the literature on temporary abdominal closure to ascertain whether the method can be tailored to the indication. Method Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and relevant meeting abstracts until December 2009 were searched using the following headings: open abdomen, laparostomy, VAC (vacuum assisted closure), TNP (topical negative pressure), fascial closure, temporary abdominal closure, fascial dehiscence and deep wound dehiscence. The data were analysed by closure technique and aetiology. The primary end‐points included delayed fascial closure and in‐hospital mortality. The secondary end‐points were intra‐abdominal complications. Results The search identified 106 papers for inclusion. The techniques described were VAC (38 series), mesh/sheet (30 series), packing (15 series), Wittmann patch (eight series), Bogotá bag (six series), dynamic retention sutures (three series), zipper (15 series), skin only and locking device (one series each). The highest facial closure rates were seen with the Wittmann patch (78%), dynamic retention sutures (71%) and VAC (61%). Conclusion Temporary abdominal closure has evolved from simple packing to VAC based systems. In the absence of sepsis Wittmann patch and VAC offered the best outcome. In its presence VAC had the highest delayed primary closure and the lowest mortality rates. However, due to data heterogeneity only limited conclusions can be drawn from this analysis.     

Non-traumatic causes and the management of the open abdomen

The open abdomen is increasingly used for the treatment and prevention of abdominal compartment syndrome. The leading non-traumatic conditions that may cause abdominal compartment syndrome requiring surgical decompression include secondary peritonitis, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and severe acute pancreatitis. Patients may also end up with the open abdomen when the laparotomy wound cannot be closed without tension because of excessive visceral swelling. Also, surgical complications such as laparotomy wound dehiscence, may require temporary abdominal closure techniques. In critically ill surgical patients and in situations when second-look laparotomy is mandatory the open abdomen can be utilized in a preventive manner like in damage control trauma surgery. Underlying disease and the indication for the open abdomen significantly contributes to outcome of patient with open abdomen. Non-traumatic aetiology of the open abdomen is associated with lower likelihood of primary fascial closure and higher rate of open abdomen related complications compared with traumatic aetiology. A number of temporal abdominal closure techniques have been described. Ideally, temporal abdominal closure technique should prevent the development of recurrent abdominal compartment syndrome and facilitate later primary fascia closure with low complication rate. Although fascial closure rate varies between techniques, there are few evidence-based data to support one technique over another. However, recent evolution of temporary abdominal closure techniques have decreased the number of patients with frozen abdomen and reduced the need for planned hernia management. Highest fascial closure rates have been achieved with vacuum-assisted closure systems and systems that provide continuous fascial traction.     

Multidisciplinary approach to abdominal wall reconstruction after decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome has been shown to reduce mortality in critically ill patients, but little is known about the outcome of abdominal wall reconstruction. This study investigates the role of plastic surgeons in the management and reconstruction of these abdominal wall defects. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 82 consecutive critically ill patients who underwent decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome, at a university level 1 trauma center, from April 2000 to May 2004. Patients reconstructed by trauma surgeons alone (n = 15) were compared with patients reconstructed jointly with plastic surgeons (n = 12), using Student t test and chi analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients underwent decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome, yielding 50 survivors (61%). Of the 27 patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction, 6 had early primary fascial repair, and 21 had staged reconstruction with primary fascial closure (n = 4), components separation alone (n = 3), components separation with mesh (n = 10), or permanent mesh only (n = 4). Compared with patients whose reconstruction was performed by trauma surgeons, patients who underwent a combined approach with plastic surgeons were older (50.5 versus 31.7 years, P < 0.05), had more comorbidities (P < 0.001), were less likely to have a traumatic etiology (P < 0.001), had a longer delay to reconstruction (407 versus 119 days, P < 0.05), and were more likely to undergo components separation (P < 0.05). Mean follow-up of 11.5 months revealed 2 recurrent hernias in the combined reconstruction group, both of which were successfully repaired. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach is essential to the successful management of abdominal wall defects after decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. Although carefully selected patients can undergo early primary fascial repair, most of reconstructed patients had staged closure of the abdominal wall via components separation, with a low rate of recurrent hernia. High-risk patients with large defects and comorbidities appear to benefit from the involvement of a plastic surgeon.     

Significance of omental evisceration in abdominal stab wounds

Over a 4 year period, 115 patients presented to Parkland Memorial Hospital with omental evisceration after a stab wound to the abdomen. All patients underwent exploratory celiotomy. Serious abdominal injuries were found in 86 patients (75 percent), and half of these had two or more organs injured. The injury rate in patients with omental herniation was three times that of patients with simple stab wounds. No preoperative evaluation technique was reliable in identifying patients without injury. There were no deaths and only a 7 percent incidence of minor complications in patients who underwent negative exploration. Our data suggest that omental evisceration in a patient with an abdominal stab wound portends potentially serious injury and supports the policy of expeditious celiotomy.     

Temporary abdominal closure followed by definitive abdominal wall reconstruction of the open abdomen

BACKGROUND: Inability to close the abdominal wall after laparotomy for trauma may occur as a result of visceral edema, retroperitoneal hematoma, use of packing, and traumatic loss of tissue. Often life-saving, decompressive laparotomy and temporary abdominal closure require later restoration of anatomic continuity of the abdominal wall. METHODS: The trauma registry, open abdomen database, and patient medical records at a level 1 university-based trauma center were reviewed from January 1988 to December 2001. RESULTS: During the study period, more than 15,000 trauma patients were admitted, with 88 patients (0.6%) requiring temporary abdominal closure (TAC). Patients ages ranged from 12 to 75 years with a mean injury severity score (ISS) of 28 (range 5 to 54). Forty-five patients (51%) suffered penetrating injuries, and 43 (49%) were victims of blunt trauma. Indications for TAC included visceral edema in 61 patients (70%), abdominal compartment syndrome in 10 patients (11%), traumatic tissue loss in 9 patients (10%), and wound sepsis and fascial necrosis in 8 patients (9%). Fifty-six patients (64%) underwent TAC at admission laparotomy, whereas 32 patients (36%) required TAC at reexploration. Seventy-one patients (81%) survived and 17 (19%) died. Of the survivors, 24 patients (34%) underwent same-admission direct fascial closure, and 47 patients (66%) required visceral skin grafting and readmission closure. Reconstructive procedures in the patients requiring skin graft excision included direct fascial repair (20 patients, 44%), components separation closure with or without subfascial tissue expansion (18 patients, 40%), pedicled or free-tissue flaps (4 patients, 8%), and mesh repair (4 patients, 8%). One patient refused closure. The mean follow-up was 48 months (range 6 to 144), with an overall recurrence rate of 15% (range 10% to 50%), highest in the mesh repair group. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone sheeting TAC provides a safe and reliable temporary abdominal closure allowing for later definitive reconstruction. Direct fascial repair or components separation closure with or without tissue expansion can be utilized in the majority of patients for definitive reconstruction with low recurrence rate.     

不同暂时性关腹材料对腹腔开放后创面愈合影响的研究

目的 观察腹腔开放后腹腔创面愈合的基本过程以及观察不同暂时性关腹材料对于愈合过程的影响。方法 选择24只健康SD雌性大鼠,随机分成四组：A组,单纯聚乙烯片临时关腹;B组,单纯聚丙烯网片临时关腹;C组,聚丙烯网片临时关腹外用生长激素;D组,聚丙烯网片临时关腹外用成纤维细胞生长因子。于腹腔开放后7d取创面肉芽,作病理组织学观察、肉芽微血管密度（MVD）计数、肉芽组织厚度及肉芽成纤维细胞数目比较。结果 各组创面愈合均良好,但聚丙烯网片关腹外用成纤维细胞生长因子组创面肉芽厚度、肉芽内微血管密度（MVP）及成纤维细胞数目都优于其他三组（P值均<0.05）。结论 聚丙烯网片应用于腹腔开放病人,可促进开放处肉芽组织的生长。局部加用生长激素和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子,可进一步加速创面的愈合,其中以聚丙烯网片外用成纤维细胞生长因子效果最好。     

Surgical management of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome

The initial management of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is medical measures to reduce intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). These, in combination with percutaneous drainage of peritoneal free fluid, may serve to reduce IAH. If these measures fail, surgical decompression of the abdomen by laparotomy is necessary to control the IAP, search for and treat inciting factors, and reduce the hypertension. The abdomen is usually left open with temporary abdominal closure techniques. Surgical decompression of IAH associated with acute pancreatitis or secondary abdominal compartment syndrome has other surgical options besides a complete celiotomy. Attention to detail in surgical technique and postoperative care is essential for optimal outcome.     

真空敷料装置在暂时性关腹中的应用

目的 探讨一种新的暂时性关腹方法一真空敷料装置的临床应用。方法 用聚丙烯薄膜、手术巾、塑料黏贴膜和引流管等构建真空敷料装置。记录使用此装置患者的各种临床资料和并发症。结果 有13例患者共使用真空包扎15次进行暂时性关腹，其中5次（33．3％）是因为腹内压增高无法获得无张力的筋膜对合，4次（26．7％）是为了再次手术探查，2次（13．3％）是因为损伤控制，4次（26．7％）是上述多个因素的联合。7例（53．8％）患者最终完成腹壁全层对合关闭，5例（38．5％）患者无法直接对合腹壁缺损，最后行创面断层皮片植皮；3例（23．1％）患者出现腹腔内脓肿，无1例出现消化道瘘，无内脏脱出。1例（7．7％）在试图关腹之前死亡，与真空包扎无关。结论 真空包扎可使患者获得直接腹壁肌肉筋膜层关闭，并发症发生率低、易于掌握，是一种较好的暂时性关腹方法。     

Decompressive laparostomy as the method of choice in the treatment of the abdominal compression syndrome

The experience of examination and treatment of 126 patients with severity trauma of abdomen was summarized. The performance of decompressive laparostomy in treatment of the abdominal compression syndrome was suggested. In 28 patients temporary closure of abdominal cavity by polychlorvinyl blend was applied.     

Management of the tense abdomen or difficult abdominal closure after operation for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are important clinical problems after repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms and are reviewed here. IAP >20 mm Hg occurs in approximately 50% of patients treated with open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair after rupture, and approximately 20% develop organ failure or dysfunction, fulfilling the criteria for ACS. Patients selected for endovascular aneurysm repair are often more hemodynamically stable, perhaps related to not handling the viscera or more favorable anatomy, resulting in less bleeding and, consequently, decreased risk of developing ACS. Centers that treat most patients with endovascular aneurysm repair tend to have the same proportion of ACS as after open repair. There are no randomized data on these aspects. Early nonsurgical therapy can prevent development of ACS. Medical therapy includes neuromuscular blockade and the combination of positive end-expiratory pressure, albumin, and furosemide. This proactive strategy can reduce the number of decompressive laparotomies, an important detail because treatment of ACS with open abdomen is a morbid procedure. When treatment with an open abdomen is necessary, it is important to choose a temporary abdominal closure that maintains sterile conditions during often prolonged treatment. In addition, it should prevent lateralization of the bowel wall and adhesions between the intestines and the bowel wall. Enteroatmospheric fistulae must be prevented. Many alternative methods have been suggested, but we prefer the combination of vacuum-assisted wound closure with mesh-mediated traction, which will be described.