Staged abdominal repair (STAR) operation: How I did it

STAR is a technique of serial operation, planned either before or during the first index operation and performed every 24 to 48 hrs or as required, with temporary closure of abdomen and ending in a final aponeurosis to aponeurosis closure of abdomen. During the course of treatment a controlled tension is exerted on the margins, avoiding an artificially caused Abdominal Compartment Syndrome due to intra abdominal inflammation, oedema, and ileus. Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is defined as the sudden increase in the Intra-Abdominal pressure resulting in alternation in the respiratory mechanism, haemodynamic parameters, and renal as well as cerebral perfusion. Virtually all materials which are non reactive to the body tissue, can be used for temporary closure of abdomen. In my case I have used simple corrugated rubber drain sheet and drape to cover the abdomen temporarily.

Keywords
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, Temporary abdominal coverage, Staged repair