This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Multicentre prospective study of fascial closure rate after open abdomen with vacuum and mesh‐mediated fascial traction. BJS 2011; 98: 735-743.
Published: 14th January 2011
Authors: S. Acosta, T. Bjarnason, U. Petersson, B. Pålsson, A. Wanhainen, M. Svensson et al.
Background
Damage control surgery and temporary open abdomen (OA) have been adopted widely, in both trauma and non‐trauma situations. Several techniques for temporary abdominal closure have been developed. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the fascial closure rate in patients after vacuum‐assisted wound closure and mesh‐mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) for long‐term OA treatment, and to describe complications.
Method
This prospective study included all patients who received VAWCM treatment between 2006 and 2009 at four hospitals. Patients with anticipated OA treatment for fewer than 5 days and those with non‐midline incisions were excluded.
Results
Among 151 patients treated with an OA, 111 received VAWCM treatment. Median age was 68 years. Median OA treatment time was 14 days. Main disease aetiologies were vascular (45 patients), visceral surgical disease (57) and trauma (9). The fascial closure rate was 76·6 per cent in intention‐to‐treat analysis and 89 per cent in per‐protocol analysis. Eight patients developed an intestinal fistula, of whom seven had intestinal ischaemia. Intestinal fistula was an independent factor associated with failure of fascial closure (odds ratio (OR) 8·55, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·47 to 49·72; P = 0·017). The in‐hospital mortality rate was 29·7 per cent. Age (OR 1·21, 1·02 to 1·43; P = 0·027) and failure of fascial closure (OR 44·50, 1·13 to 1748·52; P = 0·043) were independently associated with in‐hospital mortality.
Conclusion
The VAWCM method provided a high fascial closure rate after long‐term treatment of OA. Technique‐related complications were few. No patient was left with a large planned ventral hernia. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Full text