Danilo COCO and Silvana LEANZA

ABSTRACT

Laparostomy is defined as a surgical technique in which the peritoneal cavity is opened and left open, called "open abdomen" (OA). An open abdomen presents numerous challenges for the clinician. Specific pathologies like severe intraabdominal sepsis, trauma requiring damage control, abdominal compartment syndrome, staged abdominal repair and other complex abdominal pathologies can be managed with laparostomy. Laparostomy allows abdominal re-exploration, clearing and control of abdominal fluid secretions, preservation of the fascia, avoiding intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), abdominal wall closure.

Keywords: laparostomy, open abdomen (OA), temporary abdominal closure methods (TACM), intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), acute compartimental syndrome (ACS).

Full text | PDF