A new technique to preserve the abdominal wall in laparostomies will be presented. This technique proposes a different solution to minimize morbidity related to laparostomy using a double temporary prosthesis of polypropylene mesh and polyamide sheet. With the use of these prosthesis materials, a minimum parietal damage was shown and this technique allowed a delayed primary synthesis of the abdominal wall through progressive closure. Our results in the first 23 patient's group (1990-1994) will be show and compared to another group treated, at the same hospital by another laparostomy technique. In both groups the risk had being evaluated by Apache II score and there was no statistical difference between them, but the mortality rate was 39,1% in the first group and 55,9% in the second (p = 0,003). Even when there was a long time of "open abdomen" the delayed primary synthesis of the abdominal wall was accomplished (with the progressive closure technique). The scheduled operations to control septic focus were more easily performed. There was no fistula formation resulting from the use of the prosthesis and technique. The recent employment of this technique in patients with Compartimental Abdominal Syndrome, had shown good results. Newer understanding of laparostomy concepts had brought major alterations in its indication and technica improvement as well.
Laparostomy; Open abdomen; Peritonitis; Abdominal wall; Abdominal wall closure; Fistulae; Hernia; Prosthesis; Polypropylene; Progressive closure; Abdominal compartimental syndrome
