Table of contents
Abdominal compartment syndrome
What's new
Added 2018 WSES and 2013 WSACS guidelines for the diagnosis and management of abdominal compartment syndrome.
Background
Overview
Definition
Abdominal compartment syndrome is a critical condition characterized by elevated intra-abdominal pressure that leads to multi-system organ dysfunction. It is defined as an intra-abdominal pressure > 20 mmHg with evidence of organ failure.
1
2
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology involves a rapid increase in intra-abdominal pressure due to factors such as internal bleeding, inflammation, or fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity. This elevated pressure can impede blood flow and oxygen delivery to the organs, leading to ischemia and organ dysfunction.
2
Epidemiology
The epidemiology of abdominal compartment syndrome varies according to the patient population. It is commonly seen in critically ill patients, particularly those in the ICU.
1
Disease course
Clinically, abdominal compartment syndrome presents with a firm, tense abdomen, increased peak inspiratory pressures, and oliguria, all of which improve after abdominal decompression.
3
Prognosis and risk of recurrence
The prognosis is significantly influenced by early recognition and intervention. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications and an increased mortality rate.
4
Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of abdominal compartment syndrome are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES 2018), the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS 2017), the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM 2017), and the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS 2013)....
Show more
Diagnostic investigations
Medical management
Supportive care: as per WSACS 2013 guidelines, Consider providing optimal pain and anxiety relief in critically ill or trauma patients.
C
More topics in this section
Neuromuscular blocking agents
Fluid resuscitation
Neostigmine
Nonpharmacologic interventions
Therapeutic procedures
Blood product transfusion: as per WSACS 2013 guidelines, Consider using an enhanced ratio of plasma/PRBCs for resuscitation of massive hemorrhage.
C
More topics in this section
Enteral decompression
Percutaneous catheter drainage
Surgical interventions
Decompressive laparotomy: as per WSES 2018 guidelines, Recognize that risk factors for abdominal compartment syndrome, such as damage control surgery, injuries requiring packing and planned reoperation, extreme visceral or retroperitoneal swelling, obesity, elevated bladder pressure when abdominal closure is attempted, abdominal wall tissue loss, and aggressive resuscitation, are predictors of the necessity for open abdomen in patients with trauma.
B
Show 6 more
Specific circumstances
Patients with open abdominal wounds
As per WSACS 2013 guidelines:
Utilize negative pressure wound therapy in critically ill/injured patients with open abdominal wounds.
B
Attempt to perform an early or at least same-hospital-stay abdominal fascial closure in ICU patients with open abdominal wounds.
B