WOFAPS 2025 8th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery

Zaky El Hakim, Nabila Kloping, Barmadisatrio Barmadisatrio

Pediatric Surgery Division, Surgery Department, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

Purpose : The aim of this study was to identify potential pitfalls associated with open abdomen in pediatric patients and to formulate recommendations that could help improve decision-making and patient outcome.

Material : We performed a review of relevant case reports published between January 2015 and June 2025 in three databases (ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed). Extracted data focused on clinical indications that led to open abdomen, the duration of the open abdomen, the treatment strategies, patient outcomes, and length of hospital stay.

Result : Out of 434 articles, nine studies met our inclusion criteria with a total of 225 pediatric patients with open abdomen. The most common underlying condition was abdominal compart syndrome (ACS). The duration of open abdomen varies between 24 hours - 63 days. There were also cases where the abomen was left open. Mortality rates vary widely with the most concurrent cause of the death was ACS.

Conclusion : Managing open abdomen cases in pediatric populations remains a formidable challenge for pediatric surgeons. The diversity of underlying conditions and the variability in treatment outcomes highlights the complexity of these cases. Among the various techniques available, Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) has emerged as the safest and most effective approach. Continued research and refinement of open abdomen technique are essential to further improve the care and prognosis of pediatric patients with open abdomen.