EP.FRI.337 Active management of the open abdomen in non-trauma catastrophes, including use of negative pressure wound therapy, is associated with high primary fascial closure rates

Abstract

Abstract Aims Deliberate use of the open abdomen (OA) following emergency laparotomy (EL) may be life-saving in the non-trauma abdominal catastrophe (NTAC) and damage control surgery (DCS) can reduce the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome in compromised patients. Controversy exists over optimum management of the abdominal wall. An audit was undertaken of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in OA patients. Methods All patients who underwent OA management of NTAC from 1st Jan 2019 to 31st Dec 2020 were identified. Data on patient demographics, indication for OA and clinical outcomes were analysed. Results Eighteen patients (median age 65.5 years; M:F9 each) underwent OA following EL. The indications were: bowel ischaemia (8), intra-abdominal sepsis (5), grossly distended bowel (3) and intra-abdominal haemorrhage (2). In all cases, ABTHERATM dressings (KCI/Acelity) were used. Mean ICU stay was 7.4 days (range 1-15) and mean hospital stay 33 days (range 2-61). Four patients died, 3 within 24 hours of initial EL. Relook laparotomy was performed within 48 hours in the remaining 15 patients; 3 patients required 2 relooks and 1 patient had three. Primary fascial closure (PFC) was achieved within five days in 13/14 (93%) survivors. Eight patients had SSIs with 2 intra-abdominal collections and all were treated conservatively. One patient developed an enterocutaneous fistula. Conclusions The use of commercially-available NPWT dressings in OA management is associated with high PFC rates within one week of initial EL. This practice is consistent with World Society of Emergency Surgery guidance recommending planned re-look laparotomy within 48 hours.