This book is the first available practical manual on the open abdomen. Practicing physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and physiotherapists will find in it a ready source of information on all aspects of open abdomen management in a wide variety of settings. The coverage includes, for example, the open abdomen in trauma, intra-abdominal sepsis, and acute pancreatitis, step-by-step descriptions of different techniques with the aid of high-quality color figures, guidance on potential complications and their management, and features of management in different age groups. The book contents illustrate the most recent innovations and drawing upon a thorough and up-to-date literature review. Useful tips and tricks are highlighted, and the book is designed to support in daily decision making. The authors include worldwide opinion leaders in the field, guaranteeing the high scientific value of the content.

Foreword

Preface
1 Background historical notes
2 Basic research in open abdomen
3 Anatomy and physiology: the abdomen, the intra-abdominal pressure, hypertension, abdominal compartment syndrome, abdominal wall compliance, measuring systems
4 Pathophysiology of the open abdomen: benefits and problems. The metabolic cost and benefit
5 Indications for open abdomen
6 The open abdomen in trauma
7 The open abdomen in intra-abdominal sepsis
8 The open abdomen in acute pancreatitis
9 The open abdomen in vascular emergencies
10 The management of the open abdomen: the temporary closure systems (Not vacuum assisted systems, Vacuum assisted non-commercial systems, Vacuum assisted commercial systems
11 The role of instillation in open abdomen management
12 The open abdomen in infants and children
13 The management of the open abdomen in ICU in adults
14 The management of the open abdomen in ICU in children
15 Nutrition in open abdomen patients
16 The nursing management of open abdomen patients
17 Complications of the open abdomen and their management
18 Mistakes in open abdomen interventions
19 The definitive closure, long-term results and management of ventral hernia
20 Abdominal wall reconstruction with biological prosthesis
21 Rehabilitative process, functional impairment and quality of life
22 Results of treatment with open abdomen and future perspectives.