Retroperitoneal laparostomy as an effective emergency treatment of abscess and multiple organ failure after blunt duodenal trauma: report of a case

Retroperitoneal abscess with multiple organ failure, after traumatic duodenal rupture followed by dehiscence of duodenal sutures, is a condition associated with a very high mortality. We report on a case treated by retroperitoneal laparostomy, a technique proposed as treatment for pancreatic abscess after an acute necrotizing pancreatitis. The retroperitoneal laparostomy creates a wide open cavity in a gravity-favorable position, allowing drainage and daily debridement of necrotic collections.