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Canadian Journal of Surgery logoLink to Canadian Journal of Surgery
. 1997 Aug;40(4):254–258.

The abdominal compartment syndrome

Avery B Nathens 1, Frederick D Brenneman 1, Bernard R Boulanger 1,
PMCID: PMC3949927  PMID: 9267292

Abstract

The abdominal compartment syndrome refers to the alterations in respiratory mechanics, hemodynamic parameters and renal function that occur as a result of a sustained increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The syndrome may follow a diverse series of insults, including laparotomy for severe abdominal trauma, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and intra-abdominal infection. Diagnosis depends on recognizing the clinical picture in patients at risk, followed by an objective measurement of intra-abdominal pressure. Successful management may require abdominal decompression with temporary abdominal closure. Despite urgent decompression, the death rate is high because of the severity of the patients’ underlying illness.

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