2-STAGE ABDOMINAL-WALL RECONSTRUCTION OF SEPSIS-INDUCED DEHISCENCE

Abdominal dehiscence resulting from intraabdominal sepsis is a dreaded complication of intraabdominal surgery, It often occurs in critically ill patients with little reserves for further insults, If the dehiscence cannot be repaired directly, or if the use of synthetic mesh or a prolonged procedure is ill advised, then skin grafting of the abdominal viscera is a reconstructive alternative.(1-4) In the unstable patient, skin grafts can be harvested under local anesthesia, The procedure requires little time and provides biologic, viable coverage and restores homeostasis, Upon recovery, the laterally retracted abdominal-wall tissues are approximated for definitive closure, This approach was used in five patients between 1987 and 1992.