Analysis for Patient Survival after Open Abdomen for Torso Trauma and the Impact of Achieving Primary Fascial Closure: A Single-Center Experience

Open abdomen indicates the abdominal fascia is unclosed to abbreviate surgery and to reduce physiological stress. However, complications and difficulties in patient care are often encountered after operation. During May 2008 to March 2013, we performed a prospective protocol-directed observation study regarding open abdomen use in trauma patients. Bogota bag is the temporary abdomen closure initially but negative pressure dressing is used later. A goal-directed ICU care is applied and primary fascial closure is the primary endpoint. There were 242 patients received laparotomy after torso trauma and 84 (34.7%) had open abdomen. Twenty patients soon died within one day and were excluded. Among the included 64 patients, there were 49 (76.6%) males and the mean Injury Severity Score was 31.7. Uncontrolled bleeding was the major indication for open abdomen (64.1%) and the average duration of open abdomen was about 4.2 ± 2.2 days. After treatment, 53(82.8%) had primary fascia closure, which is significant for patient survival (odds ratio 21.6; 95% confidence interval: 3.27–142, p = 0.0014). Factors related to failed primary fascia closure are profound shock during operation, high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score in ICU and inadequate urine amount at first 48 hours admission.