Surgical Management and Complications of the Open Abdomen at Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital (2006–2010)

Author : Karin Ericka Vargas Bazan, Machicado Rivero Luis Enrique

Abstract : Objective: To determine the most frequently used technique for managing the open abdomen and the most common complications at Arzobispo Loayza Hospital between January 2006 and December 2010. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study of open abdomen surgical techniques, sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, and complications. Results: 167 patients with an open abdomen were identified; 35 received Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) therapy, and 132 were treated with Bogotá bag technique (BBT). The mean age was 51.21 years. The most frequent indications were sepsis (28%), damage control (23%), intestinal edema (13%). A total of 196 injuries were recorded (mean of 1.18 injuries per patient). The mean duration of BBT use was 5.74 days. Common Postoperative complications included sepsis, intestinal fistulas between others. Mortality was attributed to pneumonia, sepsis, and multiple organ failure, with a mortality rate of 22.16%. Conclusions: Sepsis was the most frequent indication for open abdomen management. The mean number of surgeries per patient was 5.9. The average duration of the BBT or VAC treatment was 5.74 days. The average hospital stay was 45 days.

Keywords : Open abdominal surgery, Vacuum-Assisted Closure therapy, Bogotá bag technique.

Conference Name : International Symposium on Advances in Clinical Surgery (ISACS - 26)

Conference Place : Miami, USA

Conference Date : 8th Sep 2026