Septic peritonitis, a prospective study of VAC assisted drainage versus open abdominal drainage: a midway analysis of 8 cases.

Abstract

Septic peritonitis is a life threatening and challenging problem that requires emergency surgery. In human medicine VAC-therapy (vacuum assisted drainage) has been successfully used for the treatment of septic peritonitis. This technique has been adapted for veterinary medicine and is thought to be an effective alternative for the classic open abdominal drainage therapy. This study focuses on a mid-way analysis of an ongoing research, comparing the cost and effectiveness of vacuum assisted abdominal drainage to classic open abdominal drainage therapy. Results off 8 cases were gathered, including blood and peritoneal fluid parameters, and there was an inquiry with owners to determine the course of recovery after discharge. Current cases presented statistically significant differences in protein losses. The cost of vacuum assisted closure therapy is higher than the cost of the classic open drainage method.