Abdominal decompression for abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill patients: a retrospective study.
BACKGROUND
The abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) refers to organ dysfunction that may occur as a result of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Successful management may require abdominal decompression and temporary abdominal closure (TAC). The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of patients requiring abdominal decompression, to describe the methods used for TAC, and to study the outcome of these patients.


METHODS
A series of critically ill patients who required abdominal decompression for ACS between January 2000 and March 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Age, gender, severity of organ dysfunction before decompression and the cause of ACS as well as the type of abdominal closure system and length of ICU-stay were recorded. Definitive abdominal closure and in-hospital mortality were the main outcome parameters.


RESULTS
Eighteen patients with primary ACS and 6 with secondary ACS required decompressive Laparotomy. Patients' ages ranged from 18 to 89 years (mean 50.7). The median preoperative IAP was 26 mmHg, and IAP decreased to 13 mmHg after decompressive laparotomy. Organ function, as quantified by the SOFA scoring system, improved significantly after the intervention. Eight patients had immediate primary fascial closure after the decompressive procedure and 16 patients required TAC. The majority of the survivors underwent planned ventral hernia repair at a later stage. The mean length of stay in the ICU was 23 (+/- 16) days. Overall, fifteen patients survived (63%).


CONCLUSIONS
Decompressive Laparotomy was effective in reducing IAP and was associated with an improvement in organ function. In most of the patients, the abdomen could not be closed after decompression, and fascial repair was delayed.
Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. jan.dewaele@UGent.be
J
J
De Waele
L
L
Desender
I
I
De Laet
W
W
Ceelen
P
P
Pattyn
E
E
Hoste
D034841:Abdominal Cavity; D058107:Abdominal Wound Closure Techniques; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D003422:Critical Care; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008150:Lower Body Negative Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult