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Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: BACKGROUND, METHODS, RESULTS. Meshes: Abdominal Injuries, Adult, Bandages, Compartment Syndromes, Cutaneous Fistula, Decompression, Surgical, Fasciotomy, Female, Humans, Injury Severity Score, Laparotomy, Male, Postoperative Care, Resuscitation, Shock, Skin Care, Suction, Survival Analysis, Suture Techniques, Texas, Time Factors, Trauma Centers, Treatment Outcome, Wound Healing.
user
Does vacuum-assisted wound closure achieve early fascial closure of open abdomens after severe trauma? Context: This study reviews the efficacy of vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAWC) to obtain primary fascial closure of open abdomens after severe trauma. The study population included shock resuscitation patients who had open abdomens treated with VAWC. The VAWC dressing was changed at 2- to 3-day intervals and downsized as fascial closure was completed with interrupted suture. The Trauma Research Database and the medical records were reviewed for pertinent data. Over 26 months, 35 patients with open abdomens were managed by VAWC. Six died early, leaving 29 patients who were discharged. Of these, 25 (86%) were successfully closed using VAWC at a mean of 7 +/- 1 days (range, 3-18 days). Of the four patients that failed VAWC, two developed fistulas. No patients developed evisceration, intra-abdominal abscess, or wound infection.
assistant
VAWC achieved early fascial closure in a high percentage of open abdomens, with an acceptable rate of complications. Final Decision: yes