Evaluation of a new technique for abdominal wall closure in midline laparotomies

Abstract

Background: An efficient technique for abdominal wall closure should provide strength and be a barrier against infection. Method of closure and type of suture material are critical aspects of an effective abdominal wall closure after midline laparotomy. Dehiscence of abdominal wounds after closure is a serious complication especially in emergency laparotomies. Our study was done to know whether our method of abdominal closure was helpful in reducing incidence of wound dehiscence.Methods: Present study was carried out as a retrospective randomized clinical study in the department of general surgery, Menoufia University Hospitals for one year starting from March 2017 to March 2018. 168 patients had midline laparotomies (either elective or emergent) for inflammatory, traumatic or neoplastic indications.Results: In present study for this new technique of abdominal wall closure after midline laparotomies, wound infection was noticed in 12/168 (7.2%) cases and 2/168 (1.2%) patients developed wound dehiscence.Conclusions: Present study demonstrates that our new technique (Moharam Repair) of abdominal wall closure after midline laparotomies) is efficient in reducing post-operative wound dehiscence (burst abdomen). So, this technique is applicable, safe, and can minimize morbidities and mortalities related to wound dehiscence (as a short-term complication) after midline exploratory laparotomies (MEL).