RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare two techniques of open abdomen management in patients with abdominal sepsis. INTRODUCTION: Some patients with abdominal sepsis will require open abdomen management to avoid abdomen compartment syndrome. We compare use of the Bogota bag with a technique developed at our Institution with a subcutaneous polyethylene bag. METHODS: Thirty nine consecutive patients with abdominal sepsis who were managed with open abdomen. RESULTS: Twenty one patients with Bogota bag and 18 patients with subcutaneous polyethylene bag. Patients with Bogota bag had more report surgery intrabdominal complications compared with patients with subcutaneous polyethylene bag (p = 0.04, p = 0.037, respectively). Mortality was the same. CONCLUSIONS: Use of subcutaneous polyethylene bag in patient with abdominal sepsis and open abdomen appears safer when compared with Bogota bag.