NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY (NPWT) FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF LAPAROSTOMY WOUNDS: CASE SERIES

Laparostomy or the open abdomen can be a lifesaving intervention in surgical emergencies for abdominal compartment syndrome, wound dehiscence, trauma and intra-abdominal sepsis. However, the open abdomen imposes a significant burden on nursing staff caring for these critically ill patients due to the large volume of exudate and fluid loss.To achieve mechanical containment of abdominal viscera and active removal of exudate, we used NPWT to manage five patients with complex intra-abdominal sepsis laparostomy wounds. It took between 12 to 28 days to achieve full granulation for secondary closure of the wounds. The series shows that in the management of laparostomy wounds, NPWT provides an easier way to manage the large volumes of exudates and reduces the frequency of dressings changes required with traditional wound dressings.