Table 2.

Groups and therapeutic options in incomplete (intact skin) 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
2	No	Yes	Yes	Yes Early definitive closure	-	Fascia to fascia closure, 4:1 No retention sutures Mesh depending contamination Biologics doubtful
3	No	Partially	Partially	Yes definitive early progressive closure	-	Vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh traction Or dynamic wound closure systems
4	No	No “Frozen abdomen”	No “Frozen abdomen”		Yes Delayed closure	Abdominal girdles Planned incisional hernia repair
5	Yes	-	-	-	-	Individualized
6 High surgical risk	-	-	-	-	-	Abdominal girdle