title: Alternatives in temporary abdominal closures. 'Fish' abdominoplasty.
abstract: Only infrequently is closure of the abdomen problematic in elective surgery. Options may be limited when a prolonged operation results in bowel edema that prevents primary closure of the abdominal fascia. The problem may be further magnified at facilities that do not routinely stock prosthetic materials that can be used for this purpose. We describe herein an inexpensive and readily available alternative for use in such situations.
authors.affiliation: Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: DiGiacomo
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Kustrup
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques