UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to compare open abdominal management (OAM) between visible negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and commercial NPWT to determine whether NPWT can detect intestinal ischemia in its early stages without causing complications or worsening prognosis, and to determine whether the actual visualization results in early detection.
UNASSIGNED: Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent OAM with visible NPWT (A: 32 patients) and those who underwent OAM with commercial NPWT (B: 12 patients). We compared background factors, disease severity, vital signs, blood test values, and 28-day outcomes between the two groups. We also checked the records to determine how many visualized cases were detected early and operated on. We then examined the weaknesses of this method.
UNASSIGNED: No differences were observed in the background factors or disease severity between the two groups. The duration of the open abdomen and intensive care unit stay were significantly shorter for group A than for group B. The groups showed no significant differences in lactate levels, 28-day outcomes, complications during OAM, or other factors. After a review of the medical records, ischemic progression was detected early, and surgery could be performed in seven cases in the visible NPWT group. The progression of ischemia was confirmed at the time of the second-look operation in two cases in the ascending colon.
UNASSIGNED: The visualization device allowed us to gain insights into the intra-abdominal cavity and determine the appropriate time for closing the abdomen without worsening the prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of abdominal wall closure using the vacuum-assisted closure (NPC) as described by Barker et al. with an institutional protocol using a double polyvinyl bag in the first surgery, which is changed in subsequent surgeries to a polyvinyl bag placed over the bowel loops and a prolene mesh attached to the abdominal fascia (MMFC).
METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. Patients with open abdomen (OA) due to a traumatic or a medical cause were included in the study. Variables studied included demographics, indication for surgery, number of interventions, hospital length of stay (HLOS), ICU length of stay, abdominal wound care costs, complication rates, and method and time to definitive fascial closure.
RESULTS: From June 2011 to April 2013, 75 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients who died within 48 h were excluded; therefore, 53 patients in total were assessed. NPC achieved fascial closure in 75% of patients, and MMFC achieved closure in 71.9% of patients. The closure rates in patients with OA secondary to medical causes (80% by NPC vs. 71.4% by MMFC) or traumatic causes (70% by NPC vs. 73.7% by MMFC) were similar in both treatment groups. There were no differences between the groups with respect to cause of OA, complications, length of hospital stay, or the length of stay in the intensive care unit.
CONCLUSIONS: MMFC is a method comparable to NPC for the temporary management of OA that results in similar closure and complication rates.