Treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome with subcutaneous anterior abdominal fasciotomy in severe acute pancreatitis.
BACKGROUND
Managing the abdominal compartment syndrome associated with severe acute pancreatitis by the open abdomen method is associated with considerable morbidity and resource utilization.


METHODS
A technique of subcutaneous anterior abdominal fasciotomy is described for the first time in two patients with severe acute pancreatitis.


RESULTS
Following the procedure, the intra-abdominal pressure decreased from 30 mmHg immediately to 23 mmHg and to a sustained level of 12-14 mmHg in the first patient, and from 35 mmHg immediately to 23 mmHg and to a sustained level of 14-19 mmHg in the second patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The subcutaneous anterior abdominal fasciotomy is a promising method for safe and effective abdominal decompression with sustained effect and avoiding the morbidity associated with the alternative open abdomen techniques.
Leppäniemi
Ari K
AK
Department of Gastroenterological and General Surgery, Meilahti Hospital, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland. ari.leppaniemi@hus.fi
Hienonen
Piia A
PA
Siren
Jukka E
JE
Kuitunen
Anne H
AH
Lindström
Outi K
OK
Kemppainen
Esko A J
EA
D034861:Abdominal Wall; D000328:Adult; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019283:Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / Q000150:complications*