Grant: Proof of Principle Program - Phase I

Leaving the abdomen open following an abdominal operation is not an uncommon occurrence. At the end of some abdominal operations, the surgeon may be forced to leave the abdomen open because of logistics and/or technical reasons or because of the patient's condition. The mortality rate of an open abdomen can be as high as 30% and a wide range of complications are also linked to this procedure. Early closure of the abdomen is the most effective way to prevent complications. Currently, vacuum assisted techniques (VAT) are the most frequently used and the most successful. This is a randomized controlled trial comparing usual care (vacuum technique: abthera) versus usual care (vacuum technique: abthera) in addition to a novel abdominal closure device as this novel new device can offer several benefits to the patient with an open abdomen.