Update on open abdomen management: achievements and challenges.

The open abdomen technique is one of the greatest advances in recent times and has enormous application in the daily management of the critically ill or injured patient. It results in tremendous benefits to the initial resuscitation of these patients but also brings on many challenges beyond those that might be expected from the primary illness or injury. Recent advances in the management of the open abdomen have provided the means to overcome the challenges and reap the benefits.