Introduction:

The management of the abdominal wall in open abdomen (OA) cases represents a challenge for general surgeons. Several techniques and strategies have been introduced, yielding promising results.

Objective:

To describe the temporary closure techniques used for the management of OA.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling was conducted. Patients with OA were included, evaluating the techniques used for their management and temporary closure, from March 2023 to February 2024, at the Second Chair of Surgical Clinic.

Results:

A total of 28 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 77% were men and 23% were women. The average age was 49 years.

The techniques used were: open abdomen with Bogotá bag and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) in 23 cases, dynamic traction with mesh and VAC in 3 cases, and dynamic traction with transparietal retention sutures and VAC in 2 cases.

Definitive closure of the abdominal wall was achieved in only 4 cases, while in another 4 cases, skin approximation was performed. In 16 cases, closure occurred through secondary intention healing. The mortality rate was 14.2%.

Conclusion:

The most frequently used temporary closure technique for OA management was the Bogotá bag combined with vacuum-assisted closure. Abdominal wall closure was achieved in 4 patients. 4 deaths were recorded.

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