Successful Management of Complicated Burst Abdomen with Open Abdomen Using Only Simple Saline Dressing(Article)
Necrosis of the rectus or lateral abdominal wall investing fascia may be associated with invasive infections or closure under extreme tension. This can lead to fascial dehiscence and evisceration of the intra-abdominal contents. Globally, abdominal wound dehiscence varies from 0.4% to 3.5% with associated mortalities reaching up to 45% in the perioperative period. Redo surgical operations and infectious complications are the major risk factors for abdominal wound dehiscence, but also presence of low albumin, glucocorticoid use, chest infections, and emergency surgeries have been also implicated. Open abdomen has been employed in incidences of trauma where a second look operation may be necessary, loss of abdominal wall, sepsis after penetrating abdominal trauma, and in cases of severe secondary peritonitis and acute pancreatitis. Patients with open abdomen are at a risk of fistula formation, sepsis, and loss of abdominal domain due to lateral fascial retraction. To reduce the mentioned complications mesh and nonmediated techniques to bridge fascia defects have been recommended with particular emphasis on biologic meshes with or without negative pressure wound therapy, component separation, or planned ventral hernia.
Authoured by: Dr. Basimbe Francis, Basimbe Francis
Academic units: Mother Kevin Post Graduate Medical School