9(2)28-36-xml.enl0Pajer, MałgorzataMitura, KryspinCritical Care InnovationsCritical Care Innovations28-3692202610.32114/CCI.2026.9.2.28.36https://www.irdim.net/cci/9(2)28-36.htmlAbdominal binders are widely used after abdominal surgery, despite inconsistent evidence regarding their clinical effectiveness. Their role in preventing wound complications, particularly fascial dehiscence, remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the potential role of external abdominal support as a mechanical load-sharing strategy after laparotomy, with emphasis on critically ill patients. Available evidence indicates that abdominal supports may improve postoperative comfort and facilitate early mobilization, although their impact on wound-related complications remains inconclusive. Mechanistic studies consistently demonstrate substantial differences between device types: elastic binders exhibit high extensibility with limited control of abdominal wall dynamics, whereas semi-rigid supports provide greater circumferential stability and reduced deformation under physiologically relevant loading conditions. These differences may influence the ability of external support to modulate mechanical stress acting on the healing fascia.