The management of the postoperative disrupted abdominal wall.

Background: Dehisced abdominal wounds are common. Their management is generally difficult and often prolonged, with incisional hernias a common occurrence. A new technique is presented that results in accelerated delayed primary healing with full thickness skin and subcutaneous tissue coverage.

Methods: The technique involves a combination of vigorous wound toilette, the judicious use of sutures and tissue expansion produced by the application of specially designed external tissue expanders. Gradual approximation of the wound edges is achieved and final suture allows closure by full thickness skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Results: Sixteen patients, 10 with one or more intestinal fistula, developed abdominal wall dehiscences. At discharge all wounds were closed, from 2 days in wounds averaging 12 x 5 cm to 18 days in a 29 x 24 cm wound. The follow-up, both in numbers and length, was limited for various reasons.

Conclusions: The technique appears to be generally successful. The simplicity allows easy learning and may avoid a major operative procedure. Accelerated delayed primary closure by full thickness skin and subcutaneous tissue has considerable economic benefits for the patient and the health service.