Publication details
Open abdomen - challenge for surgeon
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2019 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Aim: 30% of patients in intensive care contract an intra-abdominal infection and according to literature complications related to a previous surgery or the recurrence of an infection causing morbidity are as high as 50%. In clinical practice we often need to select the most appropriate method for the treatment of an abdominal wall defect or open abdomen following a trauma, or a previous surgery with or without infection. Various methods are available and their aim is the same – to cure the patient’s defect. There are recommended and tried methods of treatment of these serious and often life-threatening defects and these days treatment may also involve NPWT. Method: In the period between June 2011 and November 2018 we observed 97 patients with an open abdomen were treated using NPWT. We evaluated the length of treatment,wound size, onset of infection, level of pain and the price of treatment. Results / Discussion: The patients’ average age was 52.7 years, ranging between 19 and 83. The wound sizes varied from 8cmx5cm to 38cmx35cm. Treatment with NWPT averaged 15,92 days, and number of dressing were 3,84, dressings were changed every 4.1 days. A split-thickness skin graft or secondary suture were used. No significant complications occurred. The wounds detracted by 21 to 90.4%. The time of the treatment NPWT does not depend on age. Conclusion: The NPWT is an excellent method of treatment for open abdomen, reduces mortality, hospitalisation, shortening of the economic burden of health care providers. |