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Primary abdominal wall closure post laparotomy is not always possible. Certain surgical pathologies such as degloving anterior abdominal wall trauma injuries and peritoneal visceral volume and cavity disproportion render it nearly impossible for the attending surgeon to close the abdomen in the first initial laparotomy. In such surgical clinical scenarios leaving the abdomen open might be lifesaving. Forceful closure might lead to abdominal compartment syndrome and impair respiratory status of the patient. Open abdomen closure techniques have evolved over time from protection of abdominal viscera to complex fascia retraction prevention techniques. Silo bags, i.e., (Bogotá Bags), are relatively cheap, available materials used as a temporary abdominal closure method in limited resources settings. Despite its limitations of not preventing fascia retraction and draining of peritoneal fluid, it protects the abdominal viscera. We report a case of a 29-year-old male who developed incisional anterior abdominal wall wound dehiscence. He was scheduled for emergency explorative laparotomy. Intraoperatively, multiple attempts to reduce grossly dilated edematous bowels into the peritoneal cavity and fascia approximation into the midline were not possible. A urinary collection bag was sutured on the skin edges as a temporary abdominal closure method in prevention of abdominal compartment syndrome. He fared well postoperatively and eventually underwent abdominal incisional wound closure. In emergency abdominal surgeries done in limited surgical material resource settings were primary abdominal closure is not possible at initial laparotomy, sterile urine collection bags as alternatives to the standard Bogota bags as temporary abdominal closure materials can be safely used. These are relatively easily available and can be safely used until definite surgical intervention is achieved with relatively fewer complications.

Background: Incisional hernia is a major surgical problem. Several methods of hernia repair have been described but their outcome has been disappointing. This preliminary retrospective study reports on our experience with polypropylene mesh repair.Methods: The technique of mesh placement on anterior rectus abdominis fascia also termed subcutaneous or fascial on lay placement was done on 31 patients from January 2001 to October 2005. Patients’ case notes were retrieved and used to assess for patient related risk factors and hernia related risk factors for its development and recurrence. Post operative complications and duration of postoperative hospitalization were recorded.Results: Obesity (52%) and history previous history of gynaecological procedures (68%) formed the major associated factors of incisional hernias. Seroma (25%), wound infection (10%) and haematoma (3%) were the commonest postoperative complications. One patient with deep wound infection had the mesh removed. The duration of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 27 days with a mean of 6days. The median follow up period was 16 days and ranged from 2 weeks to 46 months. No case of hernia recurrence was reported during the follow-up period.Conclusion: The number of case studied and follow-up period were inadequate to make a definitive conclusion. There is therefore a need to undertake a prospective study comparing the conventional use of suturing technique for repair of abdominal incisional hernias versus polypropylene method of repair using the fascial on lay technique in the African situation.