Open abdomen (OA) is a well-established procedure for life-threatening illnesses such as septic peritonitis, abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and damage control surgery (DCS). Furthermore, in cases of life-saving aortic repair after perforation of abdominal aortic aneurysm, an OA is sometimes indicated. Definitive fascial closure (DFC) is one of the main goals during treatment to prevent further complications such as fistula formation and the development of an incisional hernia. In 2019, a new technique was introduced for OA using a device called fasciotens®Abdomen to apply dynamic traction to the abdominal wall through vertical mesh-mediated fascial traction (VMMFT). We present a case series including nine patients and show an algorithm for OA combining VMMFT and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

Methods: Two patients in a vascular surgery unit and seven patients in an abdominal surgery unit with an OA were treated with VMMFT in combination with NPWT between September 2019 and June 2023.

Results: A DFC was achieved in seven of nine cases. The mean duration of OA was 9.6 ± 3.8 days, and fascial dehiscence at the beginning of OA was 14.2 ± 4.0 cm on average. Time to DFC after VMMFT was established was 6.2 ± 3.5 days (mean). No method-related complications occurred.

Conclusion: The standardized combination of VMMFT and NPWT gave positive results in achieving DFC in our heterogenic patient group. Following a strict treatment pathway as shown here seems to improve OA outcome. It represents a promising further development of mesh-mediated fascial traction for OA treatment.