Silicone barrier device vs. organ bag for temporary open-abdomen closure in trauma patients: a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a new method using a silicone barrier (SB) device for temporary abdominal closure (TAC) in trauma patients with an open abdomen (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included trauma patients in whom the abdominal fascia was left open and covered with an SB (case group) or an organ bag (OB; control group) between 21 June 2020 and 21 April 2021. Demographic features, mortality rate, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, duration of intubation, and rates of successful abdominal closure during the index hospital admission were compared. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included (case and control groups: 31 and 59). Presenting vital signs, demographic characteristics, and injury-related features were similar (P > 0.05). The OB group received more resuscitative fluids and blood products than the SB group; however, this difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Patients treated with SB had a higher successful fascial closure rate (80.0% vs. 72.2%), although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.463). The SB device required fewer surgeries for definitive fascial closure (median: 1.5 vs. 2); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.621). ICU and hospital lengths of stay and mortality rates were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: The SB demonstrated comparable short-term outcomes to the OB. Although no statistically significant differences were observed, the SB appears to be a feasible TAC option, particularly in resource-limited settings. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.