LapVac – a laparoscopic approach for negative pressure wound therapy application in open abdomen management: a porcine animal model

INTRODUCTION: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the open abdomen (OA) is recognized as a gold standard management method. Currently minimally invasive procedures are implemented in many clinical scenarios. AIM: To demonstrate the feasibility of using negative pressure wound therapy in a laparoscopic approach for OA management in a porcine model termed as a laparoscopic vacuum (LapVac). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An adult female swine underwent a laparoscopic procedure. Briefly, a small incision was made and secured with a wound protector, pneumoperitoneum was created and two additional ports were placed. Then, a non-adhesive layer was precisely placed within the abdominal cavity. RESULTS: Finally, polyurethane foam and adhesive drape were applied. A volume of 200 ml of saline solution was instilled and drained completely within 30 min. We did not observe any technical problems with NPWT application. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the technical feasibility of NPWT application in the laparoscopic approach. LapVac seems to be a promising technique which may minimize the trauma and lead to better outcomes.