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A burr-like device to facilitate temporary abdominal closure in planned multiple laparotomies
D H Wittmann1, C Aprahamian, J M Bergstein
1Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Objective:
To describe and test a method for temporary closure of the abdomen.
Design:
Open laboratory and clinical studies.
Setting:
Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA.
Subjects:
11 patients who underwent planned relaparotomy.
Material:
The burr consists of two adherent sheets of polyamide and polypropylene, which may be trimmed to accommodate any wound. One sheet consists of micro-mushrooms, the second of multiple slings. The two sheets stick to each other upon pressure and can easily be separated to open the wound.
Intervention:
Planned relaparotomy or staged abdominal repair.
Outcome Measures:
Measurements of tensile strength and microbiological cultures.
Results:
The shearing force required to separate the burr is 150 +/- 27 N/5 cm2 when gas sterilized and 77 +/- 11 N/5 cm2 when used in five subsequent laparotomies. No adverse microbiological effects were seen.
Conclusion:
The artificial burr can be used for temporary closure of the abdomen. It circumvents the problems that occur with zip fasteners, Marlex mesh, slide fasteners, and towel clips.