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Chirurgia 2010 August;23(4):111-5

Copyright © 2010 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Abdominal hypertension, pre-abdominal compartmental syndrome and abdominal compartmental syndrome in general surgery

Tagliabue F., Della Nave F., Bonandrini L.

Divisione di Chirurgia Generale, Scuola di Specializzazione in Chirurgia Generale e d’Urgenza, Polo Universitario “Città di Pavia”, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italia

The Abdominal Compartmental Syndrome (ACS) is a pathological state characterized by organ damage secondary to an increase of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) with consequent formation of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). The IAP is next to the 0 in the subject in spontaneous breath; the IAH is defined as an IAP >12 mmHg. The classification of gravity of IAH currently accepted is that proposed by Burch JM. The formation of an important “third space” seems to be at the base of the IAH and the ACS. The IAH has both local and systemic negative effects. The identification of the patient at risk of IAH represents a fundamental aspect; in these subjects the IAP will have to be estimated. The choice of treatment of the patients demands constant monitoring of the vital parameters, infusion of liquids, uses of inotropic drugs, mechanical ventilation and adoption of decompression strategies. The AA, with the use of their clinical experience and the data from literature, report some personal reflections about the ACS. The AA also analyse the etiopathogenesis, physiopathology, clinical, diagnosis and treatment.