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Background No definitive data about open abdomen (OA) epidemiology and outcomes exist. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the Panamerican Trauma Society (PTS) promoted the International Register of Open Abdomen (IROA). Methods A prospective observational cohort study including patients with an OA treatment. Data were recorded on a web platform (Clinical Registers®) through a dedicated website: www.clinicalregisters.org. Results Four hundred two patients enrolled. Adult patients: 369 patients; Mean age: 57.39±18.37; 56% male; Mean BMI: 36±5.6. OA indication: Peritonitis (48.7%), Trauma (20.5%), Vascular Emergencies/Hemorrhage (9.4%), Ischemia (9.1%), Pancreatitis (4.2%),Post-operative abdominal-compartment-syndrome (3.9%), Others (4.2%). The most adopted Temporary-abdominal-closure systems were the commercial negative pressure ones (44.2%). During OA 38% of patients had complications; among them 10.5% had fistula. Definitive closure: 82.8%; Mortality during treatment: 17.2%. Mean duration of OA: 5.39(±4.83) days; Mean number of dressing changes: 0.88(±0.88). After-closure complications: (49.5%) and Mortality: (9%). No significant associations among TACT, indications, mortality, complications and fistula. A linear correlationexists between days of OA and complications (Pearson linear correlation = 0.326 p

Background Bezoars are an uncommon cause of mechanical intestinal occlusion. There are four different kinds of bezoars: phytobezoars, made of vegetables and fibers; trichobezoars, resulting from the ingestion of hair and frequently an expression of psychiatric disorders; lactobezoars, which are formed of milk curd; and pharmacobezoars, caused by drugs and medications. Symptoms are classically indistinguishable from one another and from more common causes of intestinal occlusion, so it can be difficult to establish a correct diagnosis in order to apply the correct treatment. We present a rare case of two different phytobezoars causing intestinal occlusion (gastric and jejunal). We also describe the correct techniques for making a correct and fast diagnosis of occlusion caused by phytobezoars, and the possible conservative and operative treatments. Case presentation We present the case of a double phytobezoar that was surgically treated with a double enterotomy. Our patient was a 68-year-old Caucasian man with a medical history of hypertension, a previous open appendectomy, and open repair of a perforated gastric ulcer. He was admitted with a 5-day history of abdominal pain located in his upper quadrants along with vomiting. After a preoperative examination, he was taken to the operating room. He was discharged in a good clinical condition 11 days after surgical intervention. A physical examination at 6 months demonstrated our patient was in good health. Conclusions Diagnosing bezoars is difficult because of their rarity. However, they must be taken into consideration in a differential diagnosis because their treatment is not always surgical. In fact, it may be conservative in many cases and a correct diagnosis will guide towards the correct therapy.