Assessment of the Role of Vacuum Assisted Temporary Abdominal Closure as a Method for Treatment of Complex Abdominal Wound

Introduction: Open abdomen management is a life-saving but challenging approach in trauma, sepsis, andabdominal compartment syndrome. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) has gained wide acceptance as a temporaryabdominal closure (TAC) method due to its effectiveness in infection control, fluid management, and promotion ofdelayed fascial closure.Aim of work: To assess the outcomes of VAC therapy as a temporary abdominal closure method in patients withcomplex abdominal wounds.Patients and methods: This retrospective–prospective study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitalsand included 75 patients with complex abdominal wounds managed using sponge-based VAC therapy (Abthera®system). Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were analyzed.Results: The cohort consisted of 68% males, with a mean age of 38.7 years and mean BMI of 26.8 kg/m².Diabetes mellitus (44%) and hypertension (36%) were the most common comorbidities. The main indications forVAC were abdominal compartment syndrome (41.3%) and infected tissue control (32%). The mean duration ofVAC therapy was 26 days. Definitive fascial closure was achieved in 72% of patients, with 70.4% by primary fascialclosure. The mean time to closure was 28 days. Complications included ventral hernia (17%), entero-atmosphericfistula (8%), wound infection (5.3%), and bleeding (4%). Overall mortality was 10.6%.Conclusion: Vacuum-assisted temporary abdominal closure using sponge-based systems is a safe and effectivemethod for managing complex abdominal wounds. It facilitates definitive fascial closure, improves infection control,and provides favorable outcomes compared with traditional closure methods.