The abdominal compartment syndrome following aortic surgery

Background: multi-organ failure is a leading cause of death following aneurysm surgery, especially in the emergency setting. Intra-abdominal hypertension is an important factor in the development of multi-organ failure. Prevention, early recognition and prompt treatment of abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome may reduce mortality following aneurysm surgery. Methods: a descriptive review of the literature from a Medline search. Results and Conclusions: the abdominal compartment syndrome is the result of diverse physiological effects caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure. The syndrome has been most widely described in trauma victims, but occurs in patients following aortic surgery, particularly following ruptured aneurysm repair. Preventative therapy should be instituted to minimise its development in patients at risk, and monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure may allow prompt treatment Of this condition.