title: The abdominal compartment syndrome.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ont.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Nathens
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Brenneman
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Boulanger
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006801:Humans