Vacuum assisted closure for defects of the abdominal wall after intestinal transplantation

Background Isolated intestinal transplantation (IT) is indicated in cases of intestinal failure (IF) in the absence of severe liver dysfunction. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the most frequent IF etiology, and due to the absence or considerable reduction of intestinal loops in the abdominal cavity in these patients, there is atrophy and muscle retraction of the abdominal wall, leading to loss of the abdominal domain and elasticity and preventing the primary closure of the abdominal wall. This study aimed to describe a technique for the closure of the abdominal wall after IT without using prostheses. Methods Four patients underwent IT with the impossibility of primary closure of the abdominal wall. We describe a novel technique, associating a series of vacuum-assisted closure dressings, components separation, and relaxation incisions. Results All patients presented a successful closure of the abdominal wall with the described technique, with no complications related to the abdominal wall. Conclusion The technique proved to be safe, effective, and reproducible as an option for abdominal wall closure after IT. Employing this technique in a greater number of cases is necessary to confirm these results.