Open abdomen management for severe intraabdominal infection

The traditional management of severe intraabdominal infection include source control and antibiotics application. Fluid resuscitation and open abdomen management are recent development in the treatment of severe intraabdominal infection. The overall morbidity of severe intraabdominal infection was decreased under 20% by these comprehensive treatment. Because of edema, inflammation and gastrointestinal dysfunction, the intraabdominal pressure was increased, the peritoneal infusion pressure was decreased and the perfusion was insufficient, and leaving abdomen open can reverse these condition, and is helpful for debridement and drainage of the source of infection, as well as management of bleeding and intestinal fistula. Enteroatmospheric fistula is the main severe complication after open abdomen, and it should be prevented by temporary abdominal closure and early closure of the wound.