The Difficult Abdominal Wound: Management Tips

Abstract

This review aims to summarize therapeutic options for the management of complex surgical wounds of the abdomen especially in regard to emergency surgery and trauma patients. Wounds in emergency surgery and trauma patients are complex and have an elevated risk for surgical site infection and hernia. In addition, the open abdomen (OA) and damage control laparotomy (DCL) are techniques being increasingly used not just in trauma patients but in critically ill surgical patients as well. Although these techniques can be lifesaving, they can be complicated and difficult to manage especially in a patient that requires multiple takebacks and those with delayed closures requiring ongoing resuscitation. This review article discusses the management options that facilitate wound closure and reduce wound complications in an emergency surgery and trauma patient. The article aims to provide a range of options that can be used regardless of resources and surgical expertise.