[New application of v.a.C. (vacuum assisted closure) in the abdominal cavity in case of open abdomen therapy]

Abstract

Objective: The problem of the temporary vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) of open abdomen situation is that the fluids, following the negative pressure, pass the abdominal cavity and in case of a local infection disseminate over the whole abdominal cavity.

Methods: The usual open abdominal wound V.A.C. technique was modified by using an auxiliary, independently operating V.A.C. system positioned intra-abdominally and connected with a separate drainage tube introduced into the lateral abdominal wall. This arrangement prevents further spreading of a local intra-abdominal infection in case of a necrotising pancreatitis after traumatic pancreas rupture.

Results: The drainage volumes were comparable from superficial and intra-abdominal V.A.C. system. A total of 30 reoperations were necessary due to a leasion of the pancreas before a primary closure of the open abdominal wound could be applied after 72 days. No bowel fistulas or intra-abdominal abscess formations were observed. The follow-up have not shown any hernia of the abdominal wall up to the present.

Conclusion: Additional intra-abdominally positioned V.A.C. system with an own drainage system supports open abdomen therapy with the standard abdominal V.A.C. system and prevents dissemination of intra-abdominal infection.