Closure of a contained open abdomen using a bipedicled myofascial oblique rectus abdominis flap technique

A contained open abdomen is commonly used during damage control laparotomy and consists of the temporary coverage of the abdomen for protection of the viscera and reduction of intra-abdominal pressure. Definitive closure of a contained open abdomen is technically difficult due to the inability to obtain primary fascial suture. The insertion of a prosthetic mesh can be complicated with enterocutaneous fistula, and other definitive closure techniques need several surgical procedures. We describe a low cost technique that allows definitive closure of large abdominal wall defects avoiding the risk of intestinal fistula. (C) 2008 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.