Successful management of abdominal wound dehiscence using a vacuum assisted closure system combined with mesh-mediated medial traction

Abstract

Management of the open abdomen has advanced significantly in recent years with the increasing use of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) techniques leading to increased rates of fascial closure. We present the case of a patient who suffered two complete abdominal wall dehiscences after an elective laparotomy, meaning primary closure was no longer possible. She was treated successfully with a VAC system combined with continuous medial traction using a Prolene®mesh. This technique has not been described before in the management of patients following wound dehiscence.