[Tactics and technic of abdominal closure in relaparotomy, abdominal dehiscence and peritonitis]

In cases of reexploration, abdominal wound dehiscence, and peritonitis closure of the abdomen calls for a flexible technique which can be adapted to local circumstances. Skin and the subcutaneous layer should be left open if contaminated from within the abdomen. If multi-layer closure becomes difficult, one should resort to one-layer closure sparing skin and subcutis. If approximation of wound edges becomes difficult or impossible, open stabilization of the abdomen is advocated, a simple method, applicable everywhere with an acceptable risk.