Negative pressure wound therapy for the open abdomen

The condition

An injury or surgery to the abdomen can result in a wound that cannot be closed straight away. The wound may need to be left open to allow further treatment, or to allow infection to clear. The internal organs, including the bowel, may be left exposed. Sometimes fistulas can form (a fistula is an abnormal passage between either the inside of the body and the skin, or 2 internal organs).

Open abdomens may be managed in different ways, including using a 'Bogota bag' (a sterile plastic bag to contain the bowel), systems with a zip, or dressings.

NICE has looked at using vacuum therapy as another treatment option. Click on to the next page to find out more.