Pathophysiology and clinical significance of the abdominal compartment syndrome

Different causes, for example posttraumatic and postoperative complications, can lead to an elevated intra-abdominal pressure. Increased intraabdominal pressure effects cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal systems. The abdominal compartment syndrome can be defined as organ failure caused by an increased intra-abdominal pressure. Clinically the syndrome is characterised by a tensely distended abdomen, oliguria or anuria and/or inadequate ventilation. Early decompression by simple laparotomy and delayed closure is the treatment of choice. If untreated the abdominal compartment syndrome is lethal. Even treated it has a high morbidity and mortality as shown in our series where 2 out of 7 patients with this syndrome died despite surgical decompression.