Burst Abdomen

Burst abdomen, or complete abdominal wound dehiscence, is a severe postoperative complication characterized by the separation of the musculo-aponeurotic layer of the abdominal wall. It leads to extended hospital stays, high treatment costs, and an increased risk of long-term incisional hernia. While negative pressure wound therapy using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is widely utilized, graduated (staged) primary skin closure remains a common, accessible bedside alternative. Direct randomized comparative evidence evaluating these two approaches for established burst abdomen is limited. The main objective of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness and safety of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) versus graduated primary skin closure in the management of postoperative burst abdomen. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to one of two groups: 1. VAC Group: Patients will receive continuous negative pressure wound therapy (-75 to -125 mmHg) applied via a specialized polyurethane foam and adhesive dressing, with changes performed every 48 to 72 hours until sufficient granulation tissue forms for definitive closure. 2. Graduated Closure Group: Patients will undergo progressive re-approximation of the wound edges using full-thickness retention sutures placed under local anesthesia and tightened incrementally every 48 to 72 hours until complete closure is achieved. The primary outcome of the study is the time to achieve complete fascial and cutaneous wound closure. Secondary outcomes include total length of hospital stay, incidence of surgical site infections, pain scores during procedures, wound recurrence, and incisional hernia formation during follow-up.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing midline laparotomy closures using the small-bite suture technique alone to those using the small-bite suture technique with an additional onlay prophylactic polypropylene mesh. The primary endpoint is the incidence of incisional hernias in both groups after one year.

A vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device also known as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), is a medical treatment used to promote wound healing, it involves using a specialized device to apply negative pressure (suction) to a wound, which helps to accelerate the healing process. Benefits : Improved Healing: By removing excess fluid and reducing edema, the VAC device promotes faster wound healing and tissue repair. Reduced Risk of Infection: The negative pressure helps to reduce bacterial load and create a more favorable environment for healing. Enhanced Perfusion: The suction can improve blood flow to the wound area, aiding in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen essential for healing. Granulation Tissue Formation: The therapy encourages the growth of new tissue (granulation tissue) which fills the wound and supports closure. Overall, VAC therapy is a valuable tool in modern wound care, particularly for complex or difficult-to-heal wounds. If you or someone you know is considering or using this therapy, it's important to follow the guidance of healthcare professionals to maximize its effectiveness and manage any potential risks. the study aim to evaluate patients , identify high risk ones , preparing to close wound of laparotomy with vaccum assisted device instead of primary closure with suturing till patient's general condition improve then delayed primary closure and comparing that to high risk patients who close wound primarily with suturing in terms of rate of burst abdomen …this is a randomized controlled trial