Challenges in the Management of the Open Abdomen

First described more than 60 years ago, the open abdomen has now become a relatively common entity in surgical ICUs. Although the indications for an open abdomen have evolved since the original description of the damage control laparotomy, the goal remains to provide an unstable or critically ill patient time to correct their physiologic derangements. Temporary abdominal closure is thus used as a bridge to definitive repair and closure. Unfortunately, the open abdomen is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and recent studies have suggested an overuse of the technique. Once the decision is made to proceed with an open abdomen, multiple options exist for temporary abdominal closure. The hope is to obtain definitive closure shortly thereafter in an attempt to reduce potential complications including intra-abdominal infection or enteroatmospheric fistula. Options for temporary closure range from the Bogotá bag to vacuum-assisted techniques; a combined technique of sequential fascial closure with vacuum assistance has recently been shown to result in 100% fascial approximation. In situations where fascial closure is unattainable, temporary coverage with a skin graft may be employed, followed by late abdominal closure via complex abdominal herniorrhaphy. Even using advanced methods such as component separation or a “pork sandwich” technique, the complication and recurrence rates remain high. A careful understanding of the indications, optimal management, and potential complications of the open abdomen is necessary to limit its overuse and ultimately reduce some of the challenges associated with it.