The medical records of trauma patients undergoing open
abdominal management by using the vacuum pack technique
at a designated Level I trauma center from April of 1992 to
February of 1999 were reviewed. Demographic data including
age, sex, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score,
intra-abdominal injury, and reason for open abdominal management
were identified. Data regarding the use of the vacuum
pack and any associated complications were collected.
ACS was diagnosed clinically per physician progress notes,
and peak ventilatory pressures, bladder pressures, and/or oliguria
were noted if obtained. Postvacuum pack wound management
data were also noted. Hospital mortality data were
collected, and causes of death were noted.