Zipper closure of the abdominal wall in the treatment of recurrent intra-abdominal abscesses.
Diffuse retroperitoneal soilage following rectal laceration with a blunt object resulted in significant morbidity despite prompt recognition, parenteral antibiotic administration, and early surgical intervention. A septic postoperative course was complicated by perforation of the third portion of the duodenum and a diffuse suppurative peritonitis with multiple intra-abdominal abscesses. Closure of the incision at reexploration was facilitated by sewing Marlex to the fascia while a centrally located nylon zipper allowed access to the peritoneal cavity for further explorations and eventual ablation of the septic process.
D000005:Abdomen; D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D000038:Abscess / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000293:injuries; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D013536:Suture Techniques