Open Abdomen Management Research Articles

Management and treatment options for patients with open abdomen.

Abdominal sepsis and trauma are the main indications for open abdomen. However, there is no robust evidence that open abdomen is better than closed in these cases. When using open abdomen, treatment goals are to control the source of infection, protect the bowel from damage, minimise adhesions between the bowel and abdominal wall, facilitate nursing care and allow permanent closure of the wound by bringing the fascial edges closer. Several temporary abdominal closure techniques exist, but are associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. There is no evidence that any specific temporary abdominal closure technique is better than others; however, negative pressure wound therapy appears to be a popular method of management of open abdomen.

Management of a Septic Open Abdomen Patient with Spontaneous Jejunal Perforation after Emergent C/S with Confounding Factor of Mild Acute Pancreatitis.

Introduction. We report the management of a septic Open Abdomen (OA) patient by the help of negative pressure therapy (NPT) and abdominal reapproximation anchor (ABRA) system in pregnant woman with spontaneous jejunal perforation after emergent cesarean section (C/S) with confounding factor of mild acute pancreatitis (AP). Presentation of Case. A 29-year-old and 34-week pregnant woman with AP underwent C/S. She was arrested after anesthesia induction and responded to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). There were only ash-colored serosanguinous fluid within abdomen during C/S. After C/S, she was transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) with vasopressor support. On postoperative 1st day, she underwent reoperation due to fecal fluid coming near the drainage. Leakage point could not be identified exactly and operation had to be deliberately abbreviated due to hemodynamic instability. NPT was applied. Two days later source control was provided by conversion of enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) to jejunostomy. ABRA was added and OA was closed. No hernia developed at 10-month follow-up period. Conclusion. NPT application in septic OA patient may gain time to patient until adequate source control could be achieved. Using ABRA in conjunction with NPT increases the fascial closure rate in infected OA patient.

Delayed Closure of 61 Open Abdomen Patients Based on an Algorithm.

Hemodynamic resuscitation, source control, and delayed abdominal closure are the three fundamental steps for open abdomen (OA) management. When to start delayed abdominal closure and how to determine which delayed closure method should be applied to each OA patient are not clarified in the literature. We evaluated an algorithm that was developed to address these two questions. A retrospective chart review was conducted for OA patients treated for according to the algorithm. When hemodynamic stabilization and source control using negative pressure therapy resulted in regression of sepsis and decreased procalcitonin levels, patients were assigned to either the skin-only or fascial closure groups according to their Björck scores and open abdominal fascial closure (OAFC) scores. The novel OAFC scoring system was created by adding age and malignancy to the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. For skin-only closure, skin flaps and skin grafts were used; for fascial closure, an abdominal re-approximation anchor system (ABRA) or ABRA plus biologic mesh was applied. From January 2008 through September 2014, 108 OA patients were managed based on the algorithm; 61 were included in this study. Abdominal closure rate was 90.2% (55/61). Overall hospital mortality rate was 11.4% (7/61). Small hernias developed in only 12.5% (4/32) of the fascial closure group. In this retrospective study, the algorithm with the novel OAFC score provided practical and valid guidance to clarify when to start delayed abdominal closure and which delayed closure method to use for each OA patient.

Delayed primary closure in open abdomen with stoma using dynamic closure system.

BackgroundThe situation of abdominal sepsis secondary to colonic perforation sometimes forces treat the patient with multiple interventions in the open abdomen (OA) context. Correct management of OA is important to restore the patient’s clinical situation and to avoid further complications of the abdominal wall. Delayed primary closure of the abdomen using a dynamic and progressive traction is a relatively new technique for treating the OA.Case presentationWe report the case of a 50 year old woman with history of malnutrition and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affects for an OA after several surgical interventions. Two previous interventions (right colectomy, ileostomy and laparotomy with Bogotá bag) for disseminated peritonitis and abdominal compartment syndrome were performed. Six days after the Bogota bag the of the dynamic closure system ABRA® system was placed to delayed primary closure of the abdomen with excellent result results of the contingency of the abdominal wall.DiscussionThe most common technique in the current management of OA is the placement of vacuum-assisted closure or the use of a mesh. These systems generally require several operations to restore the integrity of the abdominal wall. However, the dynamic closure of the abdominal wall makes it possible to restore it into the same process.ConclusionsABRA system allows delayed primary closure of the abdominal wall in an OA by sepsis secondary to colonic perforation. The stoma was not a problem with this technique. The final closure of the abdomen was at 16 days after the ABRA placement. The abdominal wall has not alterations in the follow up after 3 years.

The Reversal of Stoma Following Open Abdomen Management.

Bowel stoma formation is very often required during open abdomen (OA) management; we aim to report our stoma reversal series following OA management retrospectively. A retrospective analysis of 31 patients who underwent the reversal of the stoma created during OA management between January 2008 and September 2014 was performed. Twenty-eight of these 31 patients were included in this study. The stoma-related complications are more common after OA management during waiting time interval for reversal. At this time interval, patients with jejunostomy had more stoma-related complications than patients with ileostomy (p = 0.008) and colostomy. (p = 0.001). Waiting time interval was shorter for reversal of jejunostomy than reversal of ileostomy (p = 0.014) and colostomy (p = 0.001). Operation time for jejunostomy (p = 0.016) and colostomy reversal (p = 0.001) were significantly longer than the ileostomy reversal. There was no difference between early and late reversal of stoma regarding morbidity and mortality. The stoma-related complications are more common following OA management during waiting time interval for stoma reversal. The reversal time is more critical for this kind of patients especially with life-threatening complicated jejunostomy. For loop stoma created during OA management, the reversal may be performed after average 50days without increasing morbidity and mortality. The reversal of end stoma created during OA management has high morbidity. If it is possible, loop stoma should be preferred during OA management.

IROA: the International Register of Open Abdomen.

Actually the most common indications for Open Abdomen (OA) are trauma, abdominal sepsis, severe acute pancreatitis and more in general all those situations in which an intra-abdominal hypertension condition is present, in order to prevent the development of an abdominal compartment syndrome. The mortality and morbidity rate in patients undergone to OA procedures is still high. At present many studies have been published about the OA management and the progresses in survival rate of critically ill trauma and septic surgical patients. However several issues are still unclear and need more extensive studies. The definitions of indications, applications and methods to close the OA are still matter of debate. To overcome this lack of high level of evidence data about the OA indications, management, definitive closure and follow-up, the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) promoted the International Register of Open Abdomen (IROA). The register will be held on a web platform (Clinical Registers®) through a dedicated web site: www.clinicalregisters.org. This will allow to all surgeons and physicians to participate from all around the world only by having a computer and a web connection. The IROA protocol has been approved by the coordinating center Ethical Committee (Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital, Bergamo, Italy). IROA has also been registered to ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02382770).

One year experience of swine dermal non-crosslinked collagen prostheses for abdominal wall repairs in elective and emergency surgery.

IntroductionThe approach to the abdominal wall surgical repair is dramatically changed in the last years. This study evaluates our institutional outcomes about the usage of biological meshes for abdominal wall repair in different setting: in elective surgery, in emergency surgery and in abdominal wall repair following open abdomen (OA) procedure.MethodsA database was prospectively conducted (January–December 2014) and data were reviewed for patients who underwent to an abdominal wall reconstruction with swine dermal non-cross linked collagens prostheses either in elective or emergency setting, and following OA/laparostomy procedure. Demographic data, co-morbidities, indications for surgery, intra-operative details, post-operative complications and outcome (peri-operative, 3, 6, 9-months) were analyzed.ResultsA total of 30 cases were reported: 9 in elective surgery (Group 1), 4 in emergency surgery (Group 2) and 17 with abdominal wall closure following OA management (Group 3). Two meshes were removed: 1 in the Group 1 and 1 in the Group 3. During follow-up only one patient in the Group 3 had a recurrence of the incisional hernia. Mortality rate was 11.1 % at 3 months in Group 1, 0 % in the Group 2, and 29.4 % in peri-operative period in the Group 3.ConclusionsThe use of non-cross linked biological meshes can be safe and versatile in different situations from elective to emergency surgery, and also for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall after OA procedure, with an acceptable recurrence and mortality rate.

Components separation technique is feasible for assisting delayed primary fascial closure of open abdomen.

The goal after open abdomen treatment is to reach primary fascial closure. Modern negative pressure wound therapy systems are sometimes inefficient for this purpose. This retrospective chart analysis describes the use of the 'components separation' method in facilitating primary fascial closure after open abdomen. A total of 16 consecutive critically ill surgical patients treated with components separation during open abdomen management were analyzed. No patients were excluded. Primary fascial closure was achieved in 75% (12/16). Components separation was performed during ongoing open abdomen treatment in 7 patients and at the time of delayed primary fascial closure in 9 patients. Of the former, 3/7 (43%) patients reached primary fascial closure, whereas all 9 patients in the latter group had successful fascial closure without major complications (p = 0.019). Components separation is a useful method in contributing to successful primary fascial closure in patients treated for open abdomen. Best results were obtained when components separation was performed simultaneously with primary fascial closure at the end of the open abdomen treatment.

Open abdomen management（OAM）の合併症，予後に関する後ろ向き多施設共同研究(A retrospective, multicenter study of clinical outcome after management of the open abdomen)

要旨【背景】Open abdomen management（OAM）は，重症外傷のみならず重症腹膜炎などの疾病患者にも応用され，OAMの適応は近年大きく拡大してきている。一時的閉腹法は種々の方法があるが，本邦における一時的閉腹法の治療戦略やOAMの筋膜閉鎖率，瘻孔形成などの合併症発生率，死亡率などについて，まとまった報告はない。【目的】OAMの現状を多施設で調査し，一時的閉腹方法や筋膜閉鎖率，死亡率を検討すること。【対象と方法】2012年4月から2014年3月までに，近畿8施設でOAMが行われた18歳以上の患者を対象とし，調査シートを用いた後ろ向き研究を行った。【結果】対象となった症例は99例であった。外傷が33例，疾病が66例であった。疾病では，腸管虚血，腹膜炎の適応が最も多かった。筋膜閉鎖は77例（77.8%）が可能であり，全体の死亡率は29.3%（n=29）であった。筋膜閉鎖可能症例と筋膜閉鎖不可能症例では，死亡率に有意な差を認めた（19.5% vs. 63.6%, p < 0.01）。また，一時的閉腹法は，全症例で局所陰圧療法が施行され，vacuum pack closure（VPC）が最多であった。筋膜閉鎖が3日以内で可能であった症例は51例であり，筋膜閉鎖不可能症例の5例（22.7%）で腸瘻を認めた。【結語】筋膜閉鎖不能症例は予後が不良であった。今回の検討では，VPCを用いた過去の報告と比較しても，高い筋膜閉鎖率が達成できていた。

Immediate Versus Delayed Repair of Destructive Bowel Injuries in Patients with an Open Abdomen

Trauma surgeons frequently encounter destructive bowel injuries. The timing of the repair of the bowel injury should be performed in patients with planned open abdomen management and second-look laparotomy has not been specifically addressed. Our primary objective was to determine if there was a significant difference in the incidence of major complications between immediate and delayed repair among patients with traumatic bowel injuries and planned open abdomens. This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with traumatic bowel injuries treated between 2001 and 2011 and who underwent laparotomy and were left with an open abdomen with a planned second operation. Pediatric patients (age less than 15 years) and patients who died in the first 24 hours of admission were excluded. The primary exposure of interest was dichotomously defined based on either definitive repair of the bowel injury during the initial trauma operation (immediate) or definitive repair during a subsequent surgery (delayed). Major complications were defined as enterocutaneous fistula, dehiscence, and abscess. Ninety-two patients met study eligibility. Of these, 50 (54%) underwent immediate bowel repair. Univariate analysis suggested no significant differences in the proportion of major complications between the two groups. After adjusting for Injury Severity Score, penetrating injury, initial base deficit, and presence of colon injury, there was no statistical difference in incidence of major complications between the two groups. Patients undergoing immediate Versus delayed repair of traumatic bowel injuries and who are left with an open abdomen have comparable outcomes in terms of major complications.

Open abdomen management: single institution experience.

to evaluate the outcome of abdominal wall integrity of both techniques. a retrospective study was carried out at the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, identifying the patients undergoing temporary abdominal closure (TAC) from January 2005 to December 2011. Data were collected through the review of clinical charts. Inclusion criteria were indication of TAC and survival to definitive abdominal closure. In the post-operative period only a group of three surgeons followed all patients and performed the reoperations. Twenty eightpatients were included. The difference in primary closure rates and mean time for fascial closure did not reach statistical significance (p=0.98 and p=0.23, respectively). VAC and Bogota Bag do not differ significantly regarding the outcome of abdominal wall integrity, due to the monitoring of a specific team and the adoption of progressive closure.

Management of Septic Open Abdomen in a Morbid Obese Patient with Enteroatmospheric Fistula by Using Standard Abdominal Negative Pressure Therapy in Conjunction with Intrarectal One.

Introduction. Management of open abdomen (OA) with enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in morbid obese patient with comorbid disease is challenging. We would like to report the management of septic OA in morbid obese patient with EAF which developed after strangulated recurrent giant incisional hernia repair. We would also like to emphasize, in this case, the conversion of EAF to ileostomy by the help of second Negative Pressure Therapy (NPT) on ostomy side, and the chance of new EAF occurrence was reduced with intrarectal NPT. Case Presentation. 62-year-old morbid obese woman became an OA patient with EAF after strangulated recurrent giant hernia. EAF was converted to ostomy with pezzer drain by the help of second NPT on ostomy. Colonic distention was reduced with the third NPT application via rectum. Abdominal reapproximation anchor (ABRA) system was used for delayed abdominal closure. Conclusions. Using the 2nd NPT on ostomy side may help in the maturation of the ostomy created in a difficult condition in an open abdomen. Using the 3rd NPT through rectum may decrease the chance of EAF formation by reducing the pressure difference between intraluminal pressure and extraluminal pressure in hollow viscera.

Comparison of early surgical alternatives in the management of open abdomen: a randomized controlled study.

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive intraabdominal organ dysfunction resulting from an acute increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). In the absence of prompt treatment, ACS can lead to lethal organ failure. Treatment of ACS is achieved by immediate decompression of the abdominal cavity. As to how and when decompression laparotomy should be performed depends on the clinical condition of the patients. There is limited data regarding outcomes of abdominal closure techiques. The present study aimed to investigate two different temporary closure methods, the vacuum assisted closure (VAC) and Bogota bag techniques, in 40 patients who underwent decompressive laparotomy as part of the management of ACS. The study included 40 patients who developed ACS during follow-up or following trauma and abdominal surgery. As part of the treatment for ACS, these patients underwent decompressive laparotomy at the Cukurova University Medical Faculty, General Surgery Department and followed up in the Intensive Care Unit of the same hospital. VAC and Bogota bag procedures were performed as temporary closure methods for the treatment of ACS. Patients were randomly assigned to each of the two groups according to the temporary closure method performed. Clinical, laboratory, mortality and morbidity results of the patients in both groups were compared. Demographic features of the patients (age, sex, body mass index, co-morbidities) were similar between the two groups. The most common reason of ACS was gastrointestinal perforation in 12 (30%) patients. Decrease in incision width was significantly faster in the VAC group than in the Bogota group. Primary closure of fascia was considered appropriate in 16.9 days in the VAC group and 20.5 days in the Bogota bag group. The decrease in abdominal pressure was similar between the two groups on days 1, 4 and 7 but appeared to be significantly lower on day 14 in the VAC group. 12 patients (30%) died during the study. Among the deceased patients, 5 (12%) were in the VAC group, whereas, 7 (17.5%) belonged to the Bogota bag group. Based on these results, it is suggested that VAC has advantages when compared to the Bogota bag as a temporary closure method in the management of abdominal compartment syndrome.

Management of the open abdomen using vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction.

The open abdomen has become an accepted treatment option of critically ill patients with severe intra-abdominal conditions. Fascial closure is a particular challenge in patients with peritonitis. This study investigates whether fascial closure rates can be increased in peritonitis patients by using an algorithm that combines vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction. Moreover, fascial closure rates for patients with peritonitis, trauma or abdominal compartment system (ACS) are compared. Data were collected prospectively from all patients who underwent open abdomen management at our institution from 2006 to 2012. All patients were treated under a standardised algorithm that combines vacuum-assisted closure and mesh placement at the fascial level. During the study period, 53 patients (mean age 53 years) underwent open abdomen management for a mean duration of 15 days. Indications for leaving the abdomen open were peritonitis (51 %), trauma (26 %), and ACS or abdominal wall dehiscence (23 %). The fascial closure rate was 79 % in an intention-to-treat analysis and 89 % in a per-protocol analysis. Mortality was 13 %. No patient developed an enteroatmospheric fistula or abdominal wall dehiscence after closure. The mean duration of treatment was significantly longer in peritonitis patients (20 days) than in patients without peritonitis (10 days) (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in fascial closure rates between patients with peritonitis (87 %), trauma (85 %), and ACS or abdominal wall dehiscence (100 %) (p = 0.647). Regardless of the underlying pathology, high fascial closure rates can be achieved using a combination of vacuum-assisted closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction.

Open abdomen management for severe intraabdominal infection

The traditional management of severe intraabdominal infection include source control and antibiotics application.Fluid resuscitation and open abdomen management are recent development in the treatment of severe intraabdominal infection.The overall morbidity of severe intraabdominal infection was decreased under 20％ by these comprehensive treatment.Because of edema,inflammation and gastrointestinal dysfunction,the intraabdominal pressure was increased,the peritoneal infusion pressure was decreased and the perfusion was insufficient,and leaving abdomen open can reverse these condition,and is helpful for debridement and drainage of the source of infection,as well as management of bleeding and intestinal fistula.Entero-atmospheric fistula is the main severe complication after open abdomen,and it should be prevented by temporary abdominal closure and early closure of the wound. Key words: Intraabdominal infection; Open abdomen ; Intestinal fistula; Compartment syndrome

Clinical efficacy of open abdomen management for severe abdominal infection

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of open abdomen management for severe abdominal infection.Methods The clinical data of 36 patients with severe abdominal infection who were admitted to the General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command from January 2009 to January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.After examination,patients received resuscitation and debridement according to the principle of damage control surgery.The surgery was divided into 2 stages.Open abdomen management was applied during the first stage,and 14 days later second stage surgery for abdominal closure was carried out when the abdominal infection was under control.Abdominal pus was collected during the operation for bacterial culture.Antishock,anti-infection,organ function protection,nutritional support and symptomatic treatment were applied after the operation.Patients were followed up via phone call and out-patient examination till March 2014.Results All the patients successfully received the first and the second stage surgeries.Six patients died of septic shock and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome,and 30 patients were cured.Eight patients underwent operation for 2 times.The operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss,time for gastrointestinal function recovery,duration of postoperative hospital stay were (157 ±26) minutes,(230 ±64)mL,(44 ± 7) hours and (16 ± 5) days,respectively.Forty-eight bacterial strains were separated,including 31 gram-negative bacterial strains and 17 gram-positive bacterial strains.According to the results of drug sensitivity test,antibiotics including imipenem and cefoperazone were selected.Thirty patients were followed up with the median time of 6 months.Six patients were complicated with adhesive intestinal obstruction and 2 with incisional hernia,and they were cured after enterodialysis and hernia repair.No complications were detected in the other 22 patients.Conclusion The efficacy of open abdomen management and debridement is satisfactory for the treatment of severe abdominal infection in patients who can bear surgery. Key words: Abdominal infection; Open abdomen; Debridement

Effect of botulinum toxin type A in lateral abdominal wall muscles thickness and length of patients with midline incisional hernia secondary to open abdomen management.

Abdominal wall hernia secondary to open abdomen management represents a surgical challenge. The hernia worsens due to lateral muscle retraction. Our objective was to evaluate if Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) application in lateral abdominal wall muscles modifies its thickness and length. A clinical trial of male trauma patients with hernia secondary to open abdomen management was performed from January 2009 to July 2011. Thickness and length of lateral abdominal muscles were measured by a basal Computed Tomography and 1 month after BTA application. A dosage of 250 units of BTA was applied at five points at each side between the external and internal oblique muscles under ultrasonographic guidance. Statistical analysis for differences between basal and after BTA application measures was performed by a paired Student's t test (significance: p<0.05). Seventeen male patients with a mean age of 35years were included. There were muscle measure modifications in all the patients. Left muscle thickness: mean reduction of 1±0.55cm (p<0.001). Right muscle thickness: mean reduction of 1.00±0.49cm (p<0.001). Left muscle length: mean increase of 2.44±1.22cm (p<0.001). Right muscle length: mean increase of 2.59±1.38cm (p<0.001). No complications secondary to BTA or recurrences at mean follow-up of 49months were observed. BTA application in lateral abdominal muscles decreases its thickness and increases its length in abdominal wall hernia patients secondary to open abdomen management.

Open abdomen management of intra-abdominal infections: analysis of a twenty-year experience.

No conclusive results on the efficacy and timing of open abdomen (OA) are available, particularly in the setting of intra-abdominal infections. We analyzed outcomes and risk factors retrospectively in a large series of patients managed with an OA during the past 20 y in an effort to clarify this issue. We reviewed the records of 133 patients who underwent treatment with an OA, considering factors related to patient, disease, medical management, and surgical treatment. The end points of the bi-variable analysis were 1-y mortality, calculated from the time of an initial OA procedure, and definitive fascial closure. Most patients (112/133) managed with an OA had one of several types of peritonitis. Many patients had severe clinical conditions (mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II score was almost 9 points for the study population). With regard to surgical management, the mean (+SD) number of abdominal revisions was 5.9+9.3 during a mean duration of treatment with an OA of 14.3+11.6 d. The overall mortality in the study was 26% (35/133). Bi-variable analysis revealed factors associated with overall mortality to be age, renal and respiratory co-morbidities, edema on an initial chest radiograph, blood pressure, blood glucose and creatinine concentrations; and APACHE II score. The rate of definitive fascial closure was 75% (100/133). Factors associated negatively with fascial closure were respiratory co-morbidity, edema on a first chest radiograph, post-operative mesenteric ischemia as an indication for OA, blood glucose and creatinine concentrations, and duration of an OA. Patients' pre-operative clinical status influences strongly their response to surgical treatment. The management of OA does not affect adversely the survival of patients with intra-abdominal infections, but factors related to the management of OA (duration of OA) seem to affect the possibility of definitive fascial closure.

Managing the open abdomen in a district general hospital.

The need to manage an open abdomen is becoming more common in general surgical practice and a variety of methods of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) are available. The evidence for the efficacy of the various forms of TAC as well as the subsequent definitive fascial closure (DFC) rates and complications comes mainly from large trauma series in the US, which represent a different patient population to those in the UK in whom TAC is usually required. All cases of open abdomen management in our hospital over a five-year period were reviewed to ascertain the methods of TAC used, our success in achieving DFC and the applicability of managing such cases in a district hospital environment. Nineteen patients underwent TAC, with two deaths (10.5%) and an overall DFC rate at hospital discharge of 12/17 (70.6%). The median lengths of critical care and hospital stays were 19.5 and 38.0 days respectively. Thirteen out of seventeen survivors had at least one significant complication. The management of the open abdomen can be achieved safely in a district general hospital setting with acceptable outcomes for the non-trauma patients commonly seen in UK practice but it is a resource intensive and expensive undertaking.

Experience of the MALA Bag in the Open Abdomen Management in an Obstetrical Intensive Care Unit

Current indications for open abdomen management are damage control surgery, severe intra-abdominal sepsis, abdominal compartment syndrome, abdominal wall closure under tension and mass loss of the abdominal wall. To describe the experience in open abdomen management using the MALA (mayor absorción de líquido abdominal [greater absorption of abdominal liquid]) bag at the Maternal-Perinatal Hospital Mónica Pretelini Saénz, Health Institute of the State of Mexico. This was a bidirectional, descriptive and observational study. All patients with the diagnosis of open abdomen managed with the MALA bag admitted to the Obstetric Intensive Care Unit from February 2009 to June 2012 were included. From 25 cases identified in the period of the study, seven were eliminated for incomplete files, remaining 18 cases for the analysis. The mean age was 31.5 years. 78% of the patients were multigravidas, 50% of them with a history of 2 or more deliveries, 83% had a previous cesarean section and 78% were hysterectomized. Evisceration was present in one patient. The main indication for surgical management was damage control. One patient died and a second was transferred to another institution, the rest were discharged by clinical improvement. 12 patients (67%) spent less than 14 days in the Obstetric Intensive Care Unit, only one patient required more than 30 days in the unit. Half the women who required this surgical alternative, were above 30 years of age. Stressing is the fact that from the 18 admitted patients, 14 (78%) had undergone obstetric hysterectomy, with the etiology of uterine atony in most cases. Damage control surgery seems to be the most elective surgical option to use MALA bag followed by ACS and abdominal sepsis. The MALA bag can offer an economic and effective surgical option for the open abdomen management as well as a drainage technique.