A burr-like device to facilitate temporary abdominal closure in planned multiple laparotomies.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and test a method for temporary closure of the abdomen.


METHODS
Open laboratory and clinical studies.


METHODS
Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA.


METHODS
11 patients who underwent planned relaparotomy.


METHODS
The burr consists of two adherent sheets of polyamide and polypropylene, which may be trimmed to accommodate any wound. One sheet consists of micro-mushrooms, the second of multiple slings. The two sheets stick to each other upon pressure and can easily be separated to open the wound.


METHODS
Planned relaparotomy or staged abdominal repair.


METHODS
Measurements of tensile strength and microbiological cultures.


RESULTS
The shearing force required to separate the burr is 150 +/- 27 N/5 cm2 when gas sterilized and 77 +/- 11 N/5 cm2 when used in five subsequent laparotomies. No adverse microbiological effects were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
The artificial burr can be used for temporary closure of the abdomen. It circumvents the problems that occur with zip fasteners, Marlex mesh, slide fasteners, and towel clips.
Wittmann
D H
DH
Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Aprahamian
C
C
Bergstein
J M
JM
Edmiston
C E
CE
Frantzides
C T
CT
Quebbeman
E J
EJ
Condon
R E
RE
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000268:Adhesiveness; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000382:microbiology; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D009757:Nylons; D011126:Polypropylenes; D012086:Reoperation; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors
D009757:Nylons; D011126:Polypropylenes