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.

This book is the first available practical manual on the open abdomen. The handy format will allow practicing physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and physiotherapists to use it as a ready source of information on all aspects of management of the open abdomen 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. Throughout, the guidance provided is state of the art, reflecting 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 aid in daily decision making. The authors include worldwide opinion leaders in the field, guaranteeing the high scientific value of the content.