title: Pacifying the open abdomen with concomitant intestinal fistula: a novel approach.
abstract: The management of the open abdomen, particularly when complicated by the presence of intestinal fistula, remains a significant challenge of modern trauma care. Although several approaches have been proposed, these varied and complex cases defy the application of a universal approach to local therapy. Ultimately, abdominal closure is desired but is not always possible. Accordingly, surgeons must be well versed in the application of a number of useful approaches that may serve to facilitate control of fistula drainage while permitting management of the surrounding open wound. We contribute a management approach that is simplistic in design, provides for effective fistula control, and permits the subsequent unhindered granulation of the surrounding wound in abdomens not amenable to delayed closure techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. b.layton@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Layton
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dubose
authors.forename: Shawnn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Connaughton
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Jerry
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pratt
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D014618:Vacuum; D014945:Wound Healing