Laparostomy: Three year experience in a Tertiary-Care Unit

Abstract

Objective: Laparostomy is a temporary measure to avoid abdominal compartment syndrome as well as allow repeated and ready access to abdomen for lavage.  This study was conducted to identify the indications and analyze the outcome of laparostomy in a tertiary care surgical ward.

Methodology: This prospective study was conducted on laparostomy cases between March 2008 and February 2011. Data was analyzed for the indication, clinical course and final outcome. Results were expressed as frequency-percentage, means, procedural morbidity and overall mortality.

Results: A total of 16 laparostomies were performed during the study period. All 16 patients were operated in emergency. Burst abdomen with impending intra-abdominal hypertension was the most common indication followed by “grossly edematous bowel” which made primary closure impossible. A delayed deep tension closure was possible only in eight patients. Four patients died in the postoperative period. Persistent wound sepsis was the most common morbidity.

Conclusion: Laparostomy is often necessitated by the desperate situations encountered in emergency surgery.