Open abdomen and age; results from IROA (International Register of Open Abdomen).

Introduction: No definitive data exist regarding epidemiology and outcomes of patients treated with open abdomen (OA) linked to age.

Methods: This is a prospective, observational, cohort study that includes patients treated with OA. Patients were divided into 4 age groups: group 1: 16-40 y.o.; group 2: 41-60 y.o.; group 3:61-80 y.o.; group 4:> 80 y.o.

Results: 760 patients were enrolled. Average age was 60 ± 18aa; 57.2% were males. Most frequent indication was peritonitis (50.9%). Mean open duration of open abdomen was8±18 days. Definitive closure was reached in 81.1% of patients. Complications were recorded in 84.8% of patients with significant differences between groups (p = 0.001). Overall mortality was41.2% with significant differences between groups (p < 0.001) (group 1 25.6%, group 2 36.1%, group 3 44.5%, group 4 67.1%) 1 month follow-up mortality post-OA was 9.2% and 1 year follow-up mortality was 11.6%; CONCLUSIONS: Open abdomen treatment is feasible at every age. Diseases requiring treatment with OA are differently distributed in relation to the different age groups. Advanced age has negative effect on complications and mortality rate.