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Long-term physical, mental, and functional consequences of abdominal decompression
Michael L Cheatham1, Karen Safcsak, Luis E Llerena
1Department of Surgical Education, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, Florida 32806, USA. mikec@orhs.org
The Journal of Trauma
|February 13, 2004
Summary
Abdominal decompression initially impacts patient health perception but abdominal wall reconstruction restores it. Most patients return to work, indicating it
Area of Science:
- Surgical outcomes
- Patient-reported health
Background:
- Long-term consequences of abdominal decompression for intra-abdominal hypertension are not well-understood.
- Massive incisional hernias often require abdominal decompression and delayed fascial closure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term physical, mental, and functional outcomes of abdominal decompression.
- To assess the impact of abdominal decompression and subsequent fascial closure on patient health and employment.
Main Methods:
- Thirty patients undergoing abdominal decompression and delayed fascial closure for massive incisional hernia were assessed.
- The SF-36 Health Survey and questionnaires on employment and pregnancy status were administered.
Main Results:
- Patients awaiting abdominal wall reconstruction reported significantly lower physical, social, and emotional health.
- Patients who completed fascial closure achieved physical and mental health scores comparable to the general population.
- 78% of previously employed patients returned to work post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal decompression initially reduces perceived health, but abdominal wall reconstruction restores it to general population levels.
- Abdominal decompression is not a permanently disabling condition and does not preclude return to gainful employment.