Abstract:

This article presents a literature review undertaken to identify advantages of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) methods compared with other temporary abdominal closure (TAC) methods for septic peritonitis open abdomen (OA) management. A literature review was conducted through the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. OA management and septic peritonitis were the main topics considered for this purpose. Online available information from papers discussed at relevant meetings and congresses was also included for review. The search was designed following the Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome Criteria. All shortlisted articles were reviewed by two authors independently. The review resulted in 79 items. Only one randomized study was found and considered for review. A large variety of TAC methods for OA are reported in the available literature to date and are described with a heterogeneous set of names. VAC methods allow the possibility of draining and accounting for fluids collecting in the peritoneal cavity. VAC may offer a solution to fascial closure problems. VAC helps prevent peritoneal contamination. Intra-abdominal hypertension prevention is one factor undoubtedly favoring VAC methods against non-VAC ones for OA management in septic peritonitis.

Authors:

Stefano Rausei, MD, PhD, General Surgery Consultant, Department of Surgery, Insubria University, Varese, Italy, Francesco Amico, MD, General Surgery Registrar, Department of Surgery, Insubria University, Varese, Italy, Research Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Francesco Frattini, MD, Consultant General Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Insubria University, Varese, Italy, Francesca Rovera, MD, General Surgery Consultant, Department of Surgery, Insubria University, Varese, Italy, Luigi Boni, MD, FACS, General Surgery Consultant, Department of Surgery, Insubria University, Varese, Italy, Gianlorenzo Dionigi, MD, FACS, Director, 1st Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Insubria University, Varese, Italy

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