Table 1.

Summary of pros and cons of the ABRA system in open abdomen

ABRA system delayed closure system
Pros	Cons
ABRA abdominal wall closure can restore lost abdominal domain and achieve complete repair of the musculofascial support of the abdominal wall, achieving primary closure. The sutures can be tightened at sequential dressings, preventing fascial retraction	ABRA abdominal wall closure requires two to three interventions in operation room under general anesthesia
No skin grafts required when using ABRA	ABRA system need a normal skin of 5–6 cm around the abdominal wound (in order to place the elastomers)
Reduction in the numbers of days to any closure	The possibility to need to be used in conjunction with another dressing system
The changes of VAC system and time in nurse and surgery cares are more expensive than ABRA system	There is no active removal of the fluids. So if the peritonitis is still active a dressing system with 24–48 h re-interventions could be the best option