Open Packing — Laparostomy —

This text focuses on open packing of the abdomen (laparostomy) for the treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis and severe peritonitis. Despite the greater expenditure in terms of medical personnel, laparostomy has several advantages over traditional methods: it circumvents the often difficult decision about performing repeat laparostomy; the rates of mortality and of complications are reduced; the course of the disease can be observed closely; and reintervention, a daily necessity in many cases, is quick and simple. Close interdisciplinary co-operation with intensive care staff is essential for good results. This book of proceedings on surgery, intensive care medicine, gastrointestinal system, hepatology is intended for surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, intensive care therapists.