SP10.1.11 What happens when you VAC?

Abstract Aims Abdominal VAC dressings are part of the surgical armamentarium in management open abdomen. This study examined number, indication and outcomes patients with a tertiary unit. Methods Retrospective review operating theatre database identified all abdominal dressing between February 2016 July 2021. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, operative, outcome discharge data. Results 76 had dressings. 40 (53%) female 57 (75%) aged >50 years. For 54 (72%) primary surgery was an emergency. Major indications included intra-abdominal sepsis 41 (53.9%) wound dehiscence 16 (21.1%). Mean changes under GA 2.07 (range 0–10). on ward 2.1 0–11). length hospital stay 48.6 days 4–258). 49 (70%) removed hospital, this cohort mean duration therapy 22 days. 11 (15%) discharged to community hospitals 56 (77%) directly home. 4 (5.3%) developed entero-atmospheric fistulae, 1 (1.3%) bleeding infection. Conclusions is safe. However, it comes significant immediate medium-term burdens, terms bed days, time specialist staff input, which costly. Longer term, incisional hernias associated morbidity financial cost Trust. The authors therefore advocate attempt at early fascial closure where possible, through techniques such as mesh mediated closure.