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  • Negative pressure temporary abdominal closure without continuous suction: a solution for damage control surgery in austere and far-forward settings

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Negative pressure temporary abdominal closure without continuous suction: a solution for damage control surgery in austere and far-forward settings
  1. Edwin Robert Faulconer1,
  2. A J Davidson2,
  3. D Bowley3 and
  4. J Galante2
  1. 1 Vascular Surgery, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
  2. 2 Department of Trauma Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
  3. 3 16 Medical Regiment, Colchester, UK
  1. Correspondence to Edwin Robert Faulconer, Vascular Surgery, Derriford Hospital, Ringgold Standard Institution, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK; robert.faulconer{at}nhs.net

Abstract

The use of topical negative pressure dressings in temporary abdominal closure has been readily adopted worldwide; however, a method of continuous suction is typically required to provide a seal. We describe a method of temporary abdominal closure using readily available materials in the forward surgical environment which does not require continuous suction after application. This method of temporary abdominal closure provides the benefits of negative pressure temporary abdominal closure after damage control surgery without the need for continuous suction or specialised equipment. Its application in damage control surgery in austere or far-forward settings is suggested. The technique has potential applications for military surgeons as well as in humanitarian settings where the logistic supply chain may be fragile.

  • surgery
  • temporary abdominal closure
  • military surgery
  • damage control laparotomy
  • open abdomen

https://doi.org/10.1136/jramc-2018-000998

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors ERF and JG conceived the idea. ERF drafted the manuscript. AJD obtained the graphics. AJD, DB and JG critically edited the manuscript. ERF is responsible for the final content.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Patient consent Not required.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed.