Background: Open abdomen (OA) is a concept entailing the deliberate non-closure of the abdominal fascia at the conclusion of surgery to prevent intra-abdominal hypertension or subsequent abdominal compartment syndrome. Several temporary abdominal closure (TAC) techniques have been devised in the management of OA. Patients and methods: 31 patients were allocated into 2 groups according to the temporary abdominal closure method. The conventional Bogota bag group consisted of 15 patients; the Sandwich Vacuum Bogota (SVB) group of 16 patients. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether the addition of a negative pressure system improved the outcome as regards lateral fascial retraction, complication and reapplication rate as well as preservation of skin integrity. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of skin-level approximation between both methods (p = 0.2). Yet, at the fascial level, the SVB group demonstrated CT evidence of a statistically significant superior approximation rate (p = 0.007). No new fistula occurred but anastomotic leak occurred in a total of 11 patients with no significant difference between both groups. There was also no demonstrable advantage as regards reapplication rate. Conclusion: Both TAC techniques are easily available and cost-effective. The addition of a negative pressure system in SVB resulted in a higher fascial approximation rate, easier control of efflux and maintenance of skin integrity. Key words: Open Abdomen (OA) - Temporary Abdominal Closure (TAC) - Negative Pressure System - Fascial approximation - Skin approximation.