Open Abdominal Treatment: How Much Evidence Do We Have?

Open abdominal treatment (OAT) is an effective therapy option in critically ill patients with severe abdominal diseases or injuries like peritonitis, abdominal trauma or abdominal compartment syndrome. It is crucial to use it in the right patient at the right time. Despite the advantages of OAT and its potential life-saving value, it is still a technique associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Several techniques were developed in the past to deal with the open abdomen.

During the in-hospital course, two main goals must be achieved to reduce morbidity and mortality. These are high fascial closure rates and low enteroatmospheric fistula rates. Furthermore, in the long term, a sufficient fascial closure without hernia development plays an essential role to achieve an acceptable quality of life.

Up until now, there is a lack of evidence concerning the question of which treatment option is superior to others based on a reduction of treatment associated morbidity and mortality. In addition, it is unclear if there is one technique for all indications or if special indications need different procedures.

This Research Topic aims to summarize the current knowledge in this field and wants to address research avenues for the future. Manuscripts (including Original Research. Reviews, Clinical Trials, etc.) on the following and other related topics will be considered:

Treatment options in OAT
- VAWCM
- Dynamic fascial sutures
- Instillation therapy during OAT in peritonitis

OAT in different indications/situations:
- Peritonitis
- Trauma
- Abdominal compartment syndrome
- Pancreatitis
- Acute mesenteric ischemia
- OAT and ECMO
- OAT in pediatrics

Complications in OAT and their treatment
- Hernias
- Fistula
- Short bowel in open abdomen

Long Term Course
- Quality of life