The effect of different temporary abdominal closure techniques on fascial wound healing and postoperative adhesions in experimental secondary peritonitis

Background: Secondary peritonitis causes considerable mortality and morbidity. New strategies have been introduced like relaparotomy and temporary abdominal closure in the management of such persistent intra-abdominal infections. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into five groups each having ten animals. After induction of peritonitis, relaparotomies were done, and the abdomen was closed by different temporary abdominal closure techniques. After performing two relaparotomies during a 48-h period, all fascias closed primarily and incisional tensile strengths, hydroxyproline contents, and adhesions were measured on the following seventh day. Results: The median values of tensile strength and hydroxyproline concentrations were lowest in skin-only closure rats. Intraperitoneal adhesion scores were highest in Bogota bag closure group. Conclusion: Primary, Bogota bag, and polyprolene mesh closures seem to be safe in terms of early fascial wound healing. Although it is easy to perform, skin-only closure technique has deleterious effects on fascial wound healing probably due to fascial retraction. Interestingly, Bogota bag has caused increased intraperitoneal adhesion formation. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.