title: The open abdomen: aetiology, classification and current management strategies.
abstract: A new classification system has been devised for open abdominal wounds. This will help identify an appropriate management strategy, and indicate the associated morbidity and outcome. In all cases, early intervention is vital.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Swan
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Banwell
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D000465:Algorithms; D001458:Bandages; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000150:complications; D003663:Decision Trees; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D017592:Skin Care / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D013396:Suction; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000150:complications; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D015626:Tissue Expansion; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy