title: A burr-like device to facilitate temporary abdominal closure in planned multiple laparotomies.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Wittmann
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aprahamian
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bergstein
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Edmiston
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Frantzides
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Quebbeman
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Condon
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D009757:Nylons; D011126:Polypropylenes