Patient-reported consequences of a burst abdomen

INTRODUCTION: A burst abdomen is a severe complication after emergency laparotomy and is known to increase the risk of mortality, morbidity, incisional hernia and decreased body image. No studies have explored Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients with a burst abdomen. This study aimed to investigate and describe patient-reported consequences of a burst abdomen using HRQoL. METHODS: This prospective, observational single-centre cohort study included 281 patients undergoing emergency laparotomy during a one-year period. Abdominal wall closure was standardised and documented during the study period. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire four times during the study: in the immediate post-operative period as a baseline (assessed retrospectively) and on the fourth, 30th, 90th and 180th post-operative days. RESULTS: Among the total of 281 included patients undergoing emergency laparotomy, 15 patients (5.3%) experienced a burst abdomen. Patients with a burst abdomen reported a lower HRQoL (46.7% versus 25.2%; p = 0.035), and fewer patients with a burst abdomen had high HRQoL (13.3% versus 38.3%; p = 0.035) on the 30th post-operative day than patients without a burst abdomen. Reasons for lower HRQoL in patients with a burst abdomen were found to be due to a negative impact on usual activities, self-care and mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Following emergency laparotomy, patients with a burst abdomen experienced a short-term decline in quality of life and reported more difficulties with usual activities, self-care and mobility than those without this complication.None. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.