title: The Wittmann Patch s a temporary abdominal closure device after decompressive celiotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome following burn.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Abdominal compartment syndrome is frequently the result of aggressive fluid resuscitation after burn. Management of the open abdomen following decompressive celiotomy is a major problem.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2004 to mid-2005, six patients required decompressive celiotomy after developing abdominal compartment syndrome as a result of burn. A Wittmann Patch as used to close the abdominal wound. Patients were re-explored when clinical parameters improved and the abdomen was closed, with long-term follow-up for the abdominal wound.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the six patients, five had thermal injury and one had electrical injury. The mean total body surface area affected for thermal burn was 78% and for electrical burn was 37%. Diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome was based on elevated bladder pressure and organ dysfunction. The patients were treated with decompressive celiotomy and Wittmann Patch closure. Survivors subsequently underwent primary abdominal closure, with no evidence of ventral hernia at long-term follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In burn cases with abdominal compartment syndrome, a Wittmann Patch ay prove a helpful method of temporary abdominal closure, followed by primary closure with no complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Magid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Keramati
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.forename: Stanley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sakabu
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rumbolo
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smock
authors.forename: Jonathon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pollack
authors.forename: Bryan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Troop
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials