Surgical decompression for the management of abdominal compartment syndrome with severe acute pancreatitis: A narrative review

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS)play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)and contribute to new-onset and persistent organ failure.The optimal management of ACS involves a multi-disciplinary approach,from its early recognition to measures aiming at an urgent reduction of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP).A targeted literature search from January 1,2000,to November 30,2022,revealed 20 studies and data was analyzed on the type and country of the study,patient demographics,IAP,type and timing of surgical procedure performed,post-operative wound management,and outcomes of patients with ACS.There was no randomized controlled trial published on the topic.Decom-pressive laparotomy is effective in rapidly reducing IAP(standardized mean difference=2.68,95%confidence interval:1.19-1.47,P<0.001;4 studies).The morbidity and complications of an open abdomen after decompressive laparotomy should be weighed against the inadequately treated but,potentially lethal ACS.Disease-specific patient selection and the role of less-invasive decompressive measures,like subcutaneous linea alba fasciotomy or component separation techniques,is lacking in the 2013 consensus management guidelines by the Abdominal Compartment Society on IAH and ACS.This narrative review focuses on the current evidence regarding surgical decompression techniques for managing ACS in patients with SAP.However,there is a lack of high-quality evidence on patient selection,timing,and modality of surgical decompression.Large prospective trials are needed to identify triggers and effective and safe surgical decompression methods in SAP patients with ACS.

Abdominal compartment syndrome:Often overlooked conditions in medical intensive care units

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome are well recognized entities among surgical patients.Nevertheless,a number of prospective and retrospective observational studies have shown that IAH is prevalent in about half of the critically ill patients in the medical intensive care units(ICU)and has been widely recognized as an independent risk factor for mortality.It is alarming to note that many members of the critical care team in medical ICU are not aware of the consequences of untreated IAH and the delay in making the diagnosis leads to increased morbidity and mortality.Frequently it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in this patient population.Elevated intraabdominal pressure decreases the blood flow to the kidneys and other abdominal viscera and also results in reduced cardiac output and difficulties in ventilating the patient because of increased intrathoracic pressure.When intraabdominal hypertension is not promptly recognized and treated,it leads to abdominal compartment syndrome,multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and death.Large volume fluid resuscitation is very common in medical ICU patients presenting with sepsis,shock and other inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis and it is one of the major risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,definitions,risk factors,pathophysiology and management of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill medical ICU patients.

Abdominal compartment syndrome among surgical patients

Abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS)develops when organ failure arises secondary to an increase in intraabdominal pressure.The abdominal pressure is determined by multiple factors such as blood pressure,abdominal compliance,and other factors that exert a constant pressure within the abdominal cavity.Several conditions in the critically ill may increase abdominal pressure compromising organ perfusion that may lead to renal and respiratory dysfunction.Among surgical and trauma patients,aggressive fluid resuscitation is the most commonly reported risk factor to develop ACS.Other conditions that have also been identified as risk factors are ascites,hemoperitoneum,bowel distention,and large tumors.All patients with abdominal trauma possess a higher risk of developing intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH).Certain surgical interventions are reported to have a higher risk to develop IAH such as damage control surgery,abdominal aortic aneurysm repair,and liver transplantation among others.Close monitoring of organ function and intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)allows clinicians to diagnose ACS rapidly and intervene with target-specific management to reduce IAP.Surgical decompression followed by temporary abdominal closure should be considered in all patients with signs of organ dysfunction.There is still a great need for more studies to determine the adequate timing for interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Embryonic natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis complicated by abdominal compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to estimate the value of embryonal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(ENOTES) in treating severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) complicated with abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS).METHODS: The patients, who were randomized into an ENOTES group and an operative group, underwent ENOTES and laparotomy, respectively. The results and complications of the two groups were compared.RESULTS: Enterocinesia was observed earlier in the ENOTES group than in the operative group. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II) score of patients in the ENOTES group was lower than that of the operative group on the 1st, 3rd and 5th post-operative day(P<0.05). The cure rate was 96.87% in the ENOTES group, which was statistically different from 78.12% in the operative group(P<0.05). There were significant differences in complications and mortality between the two groups(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Compared with surgical decompression, ENOTES associated with flexible endoscope therapy is an effective and minimal invasive procedure with less complications.

First Reported Incidence of Delayed Secondary Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in a Trauma Patient with Scleroderma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Scleroderma is a complex immune-mediated rheumatic disease that is characterized by fibrosis of the skin, internal organs, and vasculopathy. Extensive fibrosis, especially in the limited compartment, has been reported to induce acute compartment syndrome frequently reported involving the upper and lower extremities. Case Presentation: We present a rare case of a 54-year-old Caucasian female who underwent surgery for abdominal compartment syndrome in the setting of scleroderma. Upon arrival, at the hospital, the patient’s health status showed signs of improvement with no indicators of abdominal compartment syndrome until the tenth hospital day. A CT scan showed a new intra-abdominal fluid collection with total lower abdominal anasarca and a stable retroperitoneal hematoma. Following emergency surgery, significant bowel edema without other intra-abdominal injuries was noted. Conclusion: Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome may occur in patients with scleroderma without evidence of intra-abdominal trauma or emergent abdominal surgery. Further research is warranted to investigate the relationship between scleroderma and secondary abdominal compartment syndrome.

Hemorrhoid sclerotherapy with the complication of abdominal compartment syndrome： report of a case

The complications of injection sclerotherapy for hemorrhoid are always local. Herein, we report a case in which a female patient with abdominal compartment syndrome developed after receiving a local injection of a sclerosing agent for hemorrhoid.

Should we perform decompressive laparotomy during severe acute pancreatitis with intra-abdominal hypertension below 25 mmHg:Only the gut knows

We suggest that during severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)with intra-abdominal hypertension,practitioners should consider decompressive laparotomy,even with intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)below 25 mmHg.Indeed,in this setting,non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia(NOMI)may occur even with IAP below this cutoff and lead to transmural necrosis if abdominal perfusion pressure is not promptly restored.We report our experience of 18 critically ill patients with SAP having undergone decompressive laparotomy of which one third had NOMI while IAP was mostly below 25 mmHg.

Epstein-Barr virus associated secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with an unusual presentation of abdominal compartment syndrome

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(HLH)is a cytokine storm syndrome caused by an overactive but ineffective immune reaction.Without prompt diagnosis and treatment,HLH is life-threatening.However,presenting symptoms are often nonspecific,with fatigue and fever being the most common.A high index of suspicion is therefore critical for early diagnosis and timely management.A previously healthy,65-year-old female who initially presented with fever and abdominal pain developed abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS)requiring decompressive laparotomy on hospital day 6.Intraoperative frozen sections of biopsied liver showed intense portal lymphohistiocytic infiltrates.Epstein-Barr virus DNA copy numbers escalated from 600 copies/mL after admission to 134,000 copies/mL before death.The diagnostic criteria of HLH-2004 were met.Patient expired on hospital day 12.It is important to raise awareness of ACS being an unusual presentation of HLH.Recent changes in diagnostic criteria tailored to adult HLH cases are reviewed.

Elevated intra-abdominal pressure:A review of current knowledge

Elevated intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)is a known cause of increased morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients.Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome can lead to rapid deterioration of organ function and the development of multiple organ failure.Raised IAP affects every system and main organ in the human body.Even marginally sustained IAH results in malperfusion and may disrupt the process of recovery.Yet,despite being so common,this potentially lethal condition often goes unnoticed.In 2004,the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome,an international multidisciplinary consensus group,was formed to provide unified definitions,improve understanding and promote research in this field.Simple,reliable and nearly costless standardized methods of non-invasive measurement and monitoring of bladder pressure allow early recognition of IAH and timely optimized management.The correct,structured approach to treatment can have a striking effect and fully restore homeostasis.In recent years,significant progress has been made in this area with the contribution of surgeons,internal medicine specialists and anesthesiologists.Our review focuses on recent advances in order to present the complex underlying pathophysiology and guidelines concerning diagnosis,monitoring and treatment of this life-threatening condition.

Study of intra-abdominal hypertension prevalence and awareness level among experienced ICU medical staff

Background:Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients.The study's objectives were to explore the prevalence of IAH and physicians' awareness of the 2013 World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome(WSACS) guidelines in Chinese intensive care units(ICUs).Methods:A cross-sectional study of four ICUs in Southwestern China was conducted from June 17 to August 2,2014.Adult patients admitted to the ICU for more than 24 h,with bladder catheter but without obvious intravesical pressure(IVP) measurement contraindications,were recruited.Intensivists with more than 5 years of ICU working experience were also recruited.Epidemiological information,potential IAH risk factors,IVP measurements and questionnaire results were recorded.Results:Forty-one patients were selected.Fifteen(36.59%) had IVP?12mm Hg.SOFA(Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) hepatic and neurological sub-scores were utilized as independent predictors for IAH via logistic backward analysis.Thirty-seven intensivists participated in the survey(response rate:80.43%).The average score of each center was less than 35 points.All physicians believed the IAH prevalence in their departments was no more than 20.00%.A significant negative correlation was observed between the intensivists' awareness of the 2013 WSACS guidelines and the IAH prevalence in each center(r=-0.975,P=0.025).Conclusion:The prevalence and independent predictors of IAH among the surveyed population are similar to the reports in the literature.Intensivists generally have a low awareness of the 2013 WSACS guidelines.A systematic guideline training program is vital for improving the efficiency of the diagnosis and treatment of IAH.

Noninvasive monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure by measuring abdominal wall tension

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP) by measuring abdominal wall tension(AWT) was effective and feasible in previous postmortem and animal studies. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the AWT method for noninvasively monitoring IAP in the intensive care unit(ICU).METHODS: In this prospective study, we observed patients with detained urethral catheters in the ICU of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital between April 2011 and March 2013. The correlation between AWT and urinary bladder pressure(UBP) was analyzed by linear regression analysis. The effects of respiratory and body position on AWT were evaluated using the paired samples t test, whereas the effects of gender and body mass index(BMI) on baseline AWT(IAP<12 mm Hg) were assessed using one-way analysis of variance.RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were studied. A significant linear correlation was observed between AWT and UBP(R=0.986, P<0.01); the regression equation was Y=–1.369+9.57X(P<0.01). There were signif icant differences among the different respiratory phases and body positions(P<0.01). However, gender and BMI had no signif icant effects on baseline AWT(P=0.457 and 0.313, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: There was a signif icant linear correlation between AWT and UBP and respiratory phase, whereas body position had signif icant effects on AWT but gender and BMI did not. Therefore, AWT could serve as a simple, rapid, accurate, and important method to monitor IAP in critically ill patients.