title: Vacuum-assisted closure in the management of the open abdomen: a report of a case and initial experiences.
abstract: In certain surgical patients undergoing laparotomy it may be best to leave the abdomen open as a laparostomy. Care of the resulting wound represents a considerable medical and nursing challenge. This article presents such a case and the authors' initial experience of managing laparostomy wounds with vacuum-assisted closure.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl, Denbighshire, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Quah
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maw
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D008297:Male; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D014945:Wound Healing