CLosure of Abdominal MidlineS Survey (CLAMSS): A national survey investigating current practice in the closure of abdominal midline incisions in UK surgical practice.

Aim: Incisional herniation (IH) is a frequent complication following midline abdominal closure with significant associated morbidity. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that the small bites technique (SBT) and prophylactic mesh augmentation (PMA) may reduce IH compared to mass closure techniques, but data are lacking on their implementation in contemporary surgical practice. This survey aimed to evaluate the use of the SBT and PMA and to identify factors associated with their adoption.

Impact of negative pressure wound therapy on enteroatmospheric fistulation in the septic open abdomen.

Aim: The effect of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the pathogenesis and outcome of enteroatmospheric fistulation (EAF) in the septic open abdomen (OA) is unclear. This study compares the development and outcome of EAF following NPWT with that occurring in the absence of NPWT.

Methods: Consecutive patients admitted with EAF following abdominal sepsis at a National Reference Centre for intestinal failure between 01 January 2005 and 31 December 2015 were included in this study.