ABDOMINAL PACKING TECHNIQUE

J. Blythe

Brandon, MS

OBJECTIVE:  To demonstrate a technique for packing away the abdominal contents. It describes and illustrates the advantages of this technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard laparotomy packs are used to provide maximum exposure, be very efficient, and respect the principles of wound healing.  The requirements for this procedure are retractor, 2 moist laparotomy sponges, and 2 moist blue towels.  This technique works equally well with any mid-line or transverse incision.  The video illustrates this technique being used with the Bookwalter retractor.

RESULTS:  This technique offers the advantages of 1) Protection of the intraabdominal structures and the lateral pelvic walls, 2) Adequate exposure, 3) Minimal handling of the intestinal tract, and 4) the assistants are freed from retraction to assist with the surgical procedure. 

DISCUSSION:  Either the O'Connor Sullivan or Balfour will work.  I have yet to find a patient who is too large for this technique provided the appropriate retractor is available.

Key Words: laparotomy, abdominal packing

Disclosure – Nothing to disclose.