The Wittmann Patch s a temporary abdominal closure device after decompressive celiotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome following burn.

Background: Abdominal compartment syndrome is frequently the result of aggressive fluid resuscitation after burn. Management of the open abdomen following decompressive celiotomy is a major problem.

Methods: From 2004 to mid-2005, six patients required decompressive celiotomy after developing abdominal compartment syndrome as a result of burn.

Percutaneous tracheostomy tube obstruction: warning.

Study Objectives: To determine the patency of standard and modified Portex tracheostomy tubes inserted by the percutaneous dilatational technique.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Medical-surgical ICUs in a tertiary care community hospital.

Heterotopic pregnancy presenting as an acute abdomen: a diagnostic masquerader.

Simultaneous intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancy is called heterotopic pregnancy. It is a rare complication of pregnancy, especially in the absence of predisposing factors. It is known to present with a variety of symptoms and signs often leading to a delay in establishing the correct diagnosis.

Posterior tracheal wall perforation during percutaneous dilational tracheostomy: an investigation into its mechanism and prevention.

Objectives: Part 1: To describe the complication of posterior tracheal wall injury and perforation associated with the percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT). Part 2: To determine the mechanism of posterior tracheal wall injury during PDT.

Design: Prospective observational study.