Effects of temporary abdominal closure methods on mortality and morbidity in patients with open abdomen

Open abdomen (OA) in which the abdomen is closed with temporary abdominal closure methods is the most effective in patients who develop severe abdominal sepsis or abdominal compartment syndrome. Major techniques used are Vacuum-Assisted Closure Method (VACM) and non-vacuum assisted closure method (NVACM). In the present study, the effects of different abdominal closure methods on morbidity and mortality were evaluated.

In the study, the temporary abdominal closure methods of the patients with OA during 2013-2016 were studied retrospectively. OA etiopathologies, mortality prediction scores, final abdominal closure periods and methods, hospitalization periods, complications (enteroatmospheric fistula, mesh infection, and incisional hernia), and mortality rates of patients who underwent VACM and NVACM were determined and compared.

The present study included 123 patients who underwent VACM (n=65) and NVACM (n=58). There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, and etiopathogenesis (p>0.05). The mean APACHE 4 and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score (MODS) scores in the VACM/NVACM groups in treatment period were 47/63 and 11/14, respectively (p<0.05). The mean intensive care and hospitalization periods in the VACM/NVACM groups were 11/16 (days) and 22/28 (days), respectively (p<0.05). The collection and abscess development rates in the VACM and NVACM groups were 46.2% and 77.6%, respectively (p<0.05). The rate of enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) development in the VACM and NVACM groups were 15.4% and 56.9%, respectively (p<0.05). The mean abdominal closure times in the VACM and NVACM groups were 13 and 17 days, respectively (p<0.05). Mortality rate in the VACM and NVACM groups were 18% (n=18) and 55% (n=32), respectively (p<0.05).

In patients with OA, the temporary abdominal closure technique VACM has lower complication and mortality rates and shorter hospitalization period than other methods. Therefore, it is an effective and safe method for the treatment of OA.