Our Summary

This research looks at a method of surgery called ‘damage control surgery’. This type of surgery is often used in emergency situations involving the abdomen to reduce the chance of death. In this case, a 52-year-old man came in with severe abdominal pain. The doctors found that he had a hole in his abdominal organs and a serious infection.

Instead of doing one big surgery to fix everything, the doctors did several smaller surgeries. They removed sections of the man’s bowel and temporarily closed his abdomen with a big infusion bag. After three days, they found some dead tissue in his small intestine, so they had to remove some of that as well. The abdomen was again temporarily closed with the infusion bag.

A month later, they transplanted skin to help the abdomen heal. Six months after the first surgery, the abdomen was finally closed up completely.

The study concluded that this method of surgery, combined with skin grafting, can be successful in treating severe abdominal infections, even when the abdomen has to be left open for a while. The patient in this case recovered well.

This study was conducted according to the ethical guidelines provided by the Helsinki Congress and the Declaration of Istanbul.

FAQs

  1. What is ‘damage control surgery’ and when is it typically used?
  2. What was the process followed by the doctors to treat the man’s severe abdominal infection?
  3. Can skin grafting be used successfully in treating severe abdominal infections according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing skin graft surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of infection. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, changing dressings regularly, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s important to communicate any concerns or issues with the doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Skin graft surgery is typically recommended for patients who have suffered severe burns, traumatic injuries, or surgical wounds that are difficult to heal. In the case mentioned above, skin graft surgery was used to help the abdomen heal after multiple surgeries to treat a severe abdominal infection. This type of surgery may also be recommended for patients with chronic wounds, skin ulcers, or skin cancer.

Patients who are in good overall health and have adequate blood supply to the area where the skin graft will be placed are usually good candidates for skin graft surgery. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations for wound care and rehabilitation after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Timeline

  • Before skin graft surgery: The patient experiences severe abdominal pain, is diagnosed with a hole in the abdominal organs and a serious infection, and undergoes multiple smaller surgeries to address the issue. The abdomen is temporarily closed with an infusion bag to allow for healing.

  • After skin graft surgery: A month later, skin grafting is performed to help the abdomen heal. The abdomen is closed completely six months after the initial surgery. The patient eventually recovers well from the procedure.

Overall, the patient undergoes a series of surgeries and skin grafting procedures to address the severe abdominal infection and allow for proper healing of the abdomen.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the skin graft surgery in my case?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with skin graft surgery?

  3. How long will it take for the skin graft to heal and for me to fully recover?

  4. Will I need additional procedures or treatments after the skin graft surgery?

  5. What kind of follow-up care will be necessary after the skin graft surgery?

  6. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after the skin graft surgery?

  7. How successful is skin graft surgery in cases like mine?

  8. What are the alternative treatment options to skin graft surgery for my condition?

  9. How experienced are you in performing skin graft surgeries?

  10. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before and after the skin graft surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Tao F, Zhonghu L, Xun C, Jianxin Z, Yanbing S, Weidong J. Journal: Transplant Proc. 2022 Jan-Feb;54(1):185-188. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.12.005. Epub 2022 Jan 10. PMID: 35016778