Table 1.

Groups and therapeutic options in complete intentional and unintentional acute postoperative open abdominal wall

Clinical/therapeutic scenario	Intestinal fistula	Non-adherent bowel loops	Free inner abdominal wall	Window ≤ 2-3 wk	Window > 2-3 wk	Therapeutic option
1	No	Yes	Yes	Yes Early definitive closure	-	Fascia to fascia closure. Continuous slowly absorbable monofilament suture, 4:1 rule
2	No	Partially	Partially	Yes Definitive early progressive closure	-	Vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh traction or dynamic wound closure systems
3	No	No “Frozen abdomen”	No “Frozen abdomen”	-	Yes Delayed closure	Skin cover or after granulation skin graft “Planned” incisional hernia repair
4	Yes	-	-	-	-	Individualized