[Dorso-ventral continuous irrigation using the Incise Pouch]

Dorso-ventral lavage procedures in the treatment of abdominal sepsis are often complicated by technical and nursing problems. With the help of the Incise Pouch, which consists of an adhesive foil with a plastic bag around it, we have succeeded in solving the main problems of the dorso-ventral lavage procedure. (1) All the lavage solution is collected in the bag and drawn into a vacuum pump. The suction drains are placed directly in the bag. This enables us to measure the lavage solution exactly. (2) There is no leakage of liquid into the bed, so that the patient remains dry. (3) The danger of intestinal fistulas or intraabdominal bleeding caused by suction drains is eliminated (by putting them into the bag of the Incise Pouch). If reexploration of the abdominal cavity ("on demand" or planned) is done, the Incise Pouch remains in position. This method makes early diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications possible.