Outcomes
dehiscence, hernia, postoperative pulmonary infection
WOUND DEHISCENCE, DEHISCENCE, WOUND INFECTION
The composite primary endpoint was the presence of burst abdomen after 30 days or incisional hernia after 12 months. Burst abdomen was defined as postoperatively missing continuity of the abdominal fascia in combination with a wound dehiscence and/or a consecutive redo surgery due to fascial dehiscence occurring up to day 30 after surgery. Incisional hernia was assessed by physical examination and abdominal ultrasound 12 months postoperatively and was defined as a fascia gap and a protruding hernia sac on ultrasound or with a clinical examination consistent with a hernia. In cases of hernia confirmed by a surgical intervention within 12 months after the index operation no ultrasound examination was mandatory.Secondary outcome measures included length of skin and fascia incision, time needed for fascial closure, frequency of re-operation due to burst abdomen and due to any cause, frequency of abdominal re-interventions, postoperative pulmonary infection, duration of artificial respiration and postoperative hemodialysis. Furthermore, frequency of wound infection, duration of vacuum therapy and wound healing, time to first bowel movement, duration of abdominal drainage via intraoperatively placed drains and duration of closed abdominal lavage were evaluated. Finally, we assessed LOS, duration of intensive care unit stay, quality of life (by using the standardized form (SF 36)) and overall mortality.