Association of Intra-Abdominal Pressure with Wound Dehiscence in Patients Undergoing Emergency Exploratory Laparotomy by Midline Incision

Aim: To study the association between raised intra-abdominal pressure and abdominal wound dehiscence in patients undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy by midline incision. Method: Fifty patients were taken up for emergency midline exploratory laparotomy and followed up for wound dehiscence and their association with raised intra abdominal pressure. Results: The variables significantly associated with dehiscence were raised IAP, obesity and overweight. Anemia as factor for dehiscence was non significant. Conclusion: Raised intra abdominal pressure has a significant effect on overall patient outcome leading to wound dehiscence and obesity and overweight status contribute to this by raising the intra abdominal pressure. Keywords: Intra Abdominal Pressure, Wound Dehiscence, Exploratory Laparotomy, Midline