Management of abdominal compartment syndrome and the open abdomen

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome After Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience of Total Endovascular Care for Ruptured Abdominal Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) has been increasingly replaced by endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in many centers. Despite being a minimally invasive procedure, EVAR is associated with a risk of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This study examines the incidence and clinical manifestation of ACS in a consecutive cohort of rAAA patients treated exclusively with EVAR at Örebro University Hospital over a 12-year period.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. We identified 139 patients who had presented to Örebro University Hospital with rAAA between October 2009 and September 2021. Patients with isolated iliac artery, thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic ruptures, previous aortic interventions (open or endovascular), and patients receiving palliative treatment were excluded. Patients developing ACS after rAAA were compared with those who did not develop ACS.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients treated using EVAR were included in this study. ACS was identified in 17 patients, and these were compared with 83 patients who did not develop ACS. Mortality at 30 days was 53% in the ACS group (9/17) and 22% in the No-ACS group (18/83, p = 0.015). Regression analysis showed that advanced age and ACS were independent risk factors for death, with ACS increasing the hazard 4-fold (HR 4.26, CI 1.99-9.10, p < 0.001) and age increasing the hazard by 6% for every year (HR 1.06, CI 1.06-1.1, p = 0.004). The use of aortic balloon occlusion was not independently associated with the development of ACS.

CONCLUSIONS

ACS is a life-threatening complication of rAAA treated using EVAR and a significant number of patients developed ACS with high mortality and complication rates. All rAAA patients treated using EVAR should be monitored closely for ACS and treatment with decompressive laparotomy should be initiated without delay.Clinical ImpactOpen repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) has been increasingly replaced by endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Despite being a minimally invasive procedure, EVAR is associated with a risk of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality This article investigates abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in a cohort of total endovascular treated rAAA in a single centre and the treatment as well as the results, and gives insight on ACS in this patient group and might contribute to better understanding how to treat them and avoid this life-threatening complication.

Increasing Use of Prophylactic Open Abdomen Therapy With Vacuum Assisted Wound Closure and Mesh Mediated Fascial Traction After Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

Open abdomen therapy (OAT) is commonly used to prevent or treat abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of OAT after rAAA from 2006 to 2021. Investigating data on resuscitation fluid, weight gain, and cumulative fluid balance could provide a more systematic approach to determining the timing of safe abdominal closure.

METHODS

This was a single centre observational cohort study. The study included all patients treated for rAAA followed by OAT from October 2006 to December 2021.

RESULTS

Seventy-two of the 244 patients who underwent surgery for rAAA received OAT. The mean age was 72 ± 7.85 years, and most were male (n = 61, 85%). The most frequent comorbidities were cardiac disease (n = 31, 43%) and hypertension (n = 31, 43%). Fifty-two patients (72%) received prophylactic OAT, and 20 received OAT for ACS (28%). There was a 25% mortality rate in the prophylactic OAT group compared with the 50% mortality in those who received OAT for ACS (p = .042). The 58 (81%) patients who survived until closure had a median of 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 9, 16.5) days of OAT and 5 (IQR 4, 7) dressing changes. There was one case of colocutaneous fistula and two cases of graft infection. All 58 patients underwent successful abdominal closure, with 55 (95%) undergoing delayed primary closure. In hospital survival was 85%. Treatment trends over time showed the increased use of prophylactic OAT (p ≤ .001) and fewer ACS cases (p = .03) assessed by Fisher's exact test. In multivariable regression analysis fluid overload and weight reduction predicted 26% of variability in time to closure.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic OAT after rAAA can be performed safely, with a high rate of delayed primary closure even after long term treatment.

Editor's Choice -- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) has developed clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in succession to the 2011 and 2019 versions, with the aim of assisting physicians and patients in selecting the best management strategy.

METHODS

The guideline is based on scientific evidence completed with expert opinion on the matter. By summarising and evaluating the best available evidence, recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients have been formulated. The recommendations are graded according to a modified European Society of Cardiology grading system, where the strength (class) of each recommendation is graded from I to III and the letters A to C mark the level of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 160 recommendations have been issued on the following topics: Service standards, including surgical volume and training; Epidemiology, diagnosis, and screening; Management of patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), including surveillance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and indication for repair; Elective AAA repair, including operative risk assessment, open and endovascular repair, and early complications; Ruptured and symptomatic AAA, including peri-operative management, such as permissive hypotension and use of aortic occlusion balloon, open and endovascular repair, and early complications, such as abdominal compartment syndrome and colonic ischaemia; Long term outcome and follow up after AAA repair, including graft infection, endoleaks and follow up routines; Management of complex AAA, including open and endovascular repair; Management of iliac artery aneurysm, including indication for repair and open and endovascular repair; and Miscellaneous aortic problems, including mycotic, inflammatory, and saccular aortic aneurysm. In addition, Shared decision making is being addressed, with supporting information for patients, and Unresolved issues are discussed.

CONCLUSION

The ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines provide the most comprehensive, up to date, and unbiased advice to clinicians and patients on the management of abdominal aorto-iliac artery aneurysms.

Abdominal compartment syndrome as a complication of endoscopic carbon dioxide insufflation in a patient with malignant bowel obstruction: a case report

BACKGROUND

A self-expandable metal stent is often placed as a bridge to elective surgical treatment of left-sided malignant obstruction of the colon because it allows for primary anastomosis without the need for a temporary stoma, which has a positive impact on the patient's quality of life. However, although a relatively safe procedure, colonic stenting can have complications that require emergency surgery. This case report describes a rare case of abdominal compartment syndrome that occurred as a complication of endoscopic insufflation during colonic stenting.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 72-year-old woman who presented complaining of several days of constipation and loss of appetite. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed obstruction of the sigmoid colon by a tumor. There were no symptoms or computed tomography findings to suggest perforation. Therefore, an attempt was made to insert a self-expandable metal stent. Acute respiratory disturbance and a change in consciousness occurred during the stenting procedure, with marked abdominal distention. Abdominal compartment syndrome was diagnosed and treated by decompressive laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of abdominal compartment syndrome as a complication of endoscopic insufflation during colonic stenting. The possibility of abdominal compartment syndrome should be considered if acute respiratory disturbance or altered consciousness occurs during endoscopic procedure in a patient with malignant bowel obstruction.

Does the Routine Skin-Only Closure in Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Safely Diminish Abdominal Compartment Syndrome? A Hypothesis Generating Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

 Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) often complicates ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair. We report results with routine skin-only abdominal wound closure after rAAA surgical repair.

METHODS

 This was a single-center retrospective study including consecutive patients undergoing rAAA surgical repair for the duration of 7 years. Skin-only closure was routinely performed, and if possible, secondary abdominal closure was performed during the same admission. Demographic information, preoperative hemodynamic condition, and perioperative information (ACS, mortality, rate of abdominal closure, and postoperative outcomes) were collected.

RESULTS

 During the study period, 93 rAAAs were recorded. Ten patients were too frail to undergo repair or refused treatment. Eighty-three patients underwent immediate surgical repair. The mean age was 72.4 ± 10.5 years, and the vast majority were male (82:1). Preoperative systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg was recorded in 31 patients. Intraoperative mortality was recorded in nine cases. Overall in-hospital mortality was 34.9% (29/83). Primary fascial closure was performed in five patients, while skin-only closure was performed in 69. ACS was recorded in two cases in whom skin sutures were removed and negative pressure wound treatment was applied. Secondary fascial closure was feasible in 30 patients during the same admission. Among 37 patients not undergoing fascial closure, 18 died and 19 survived and were discharged with a planned ventral hernia repair. Median length of intensive care unit and hospital stay were 5 (1-24) and 13 (8-35) days, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 21 months, telephone contact was possible with 14/19 patients who left the hospital with an abdominal hernia. Three reported hernia-related complications mandating surgical repair, while in 11, this was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

 Routine skin-only closure during rAAA surgical repair results in low rates of ACS at the expense of a high rate of patients being discharged with a planned ventral hernia which, however, seems to be well tolerated by the majority of patients.

Open abdominal management after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: from a single-center study in Japan

PURPOSE

We investigated the utility of the open abdominal management (OA) technique for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA).

METHODS

Between January 2016 and August 2021, 33 patients underwent open surgery for rAAA at our institution. The patients were divided into OA (n = 12) and non-OA (n = 21) groups. We compared preoperative characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes between the two groups. The intensive care unit management and abdominal wall closure statuses of the OA group were evaluated.

RESULTS

The OA group included significantly more cases of a preoperative shock than the non-OA group. The operation time was also significantly longer in the OA group than in the non-OA group. The need for intraoperative fluids, amount of bleeding, and need for blood transfusion were significantly higher in the OA group than in the non-OA group. Negative pressure therapy (NPT) systems are useful in OA. In five of the six survivors in the OA group, abdominal closure was able to be achieved using components separation (CS) technique.

CONCLUSIONS

NPT and the CS technique may increase the abdominal wall closure rate in rAAA surgery using OA and are expected to improve outcomes.

A Clinical Overview of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: The Medical and Surgical Management

An inflammatory process involving the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, can be categorized as either acute or chronic and may present in one of many ways. The clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis are generally limited to epigastric or right upper quadrant pain, while manifestations of chronic pancreatitis are broader and may include abdominal pain in tandem with signs and symptoms of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. An understanding of the initial insult, proper classification, and prognosis are all factors that are of paramount importance as it pertains to managing patients who are afflicted with this disease. Our review delves into the depths of pancreatitis by exploring the embryology and anatomy of the pancreas, the pathophysiology and etiology of acute and chronic pancreatitis, and the medical and surgical management of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: A Challenge for the Acute Care Surgeon

Acute mesenteric ischemia is considered uncommon, but it appears to be more frequent cause of acute abdomen than appendicitis or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in elderly patients. Surgical treatment without revascularization is associated with high overall mortality, up to 80%. The modern treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia requires collaboration of gastrointestinal surgeons, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists. Early revascularization may reduce the overall mortality associated with acute mesenteric ischemia by up to 50%. Clinical suspicion and contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed at early stage are keys to improve outcomes of acute mesenteric ischemia treatment. This review summarizes what the acute care surgeon needs to know about acute mesenteric ischemia with special emphasis on slowly progressing "acute on chronic" mesenteric ischemia.

[Summary of the S3 guideline on abdominal aortic aneurysm from an anesthesiological perspective]

The current article is a summary of the 2018 revised S3 guideline on screening, diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) from an anesthesiological point of view. It is the only interdisciplinary guideline that describes in particular the perioperative anesthesiological and intensive care management.

Abdominal compartment syndrome: Current concepts and management

Abdominal compartment syndrome occurs when 2 or more anatomic compartments have a sustained intra-abdominal pressure >20mmHg, associated with organ failure. Incidence is 2% and prevalence varies from 0% to 36.4%. A literature search was conducted utilizing different databases. Articles published from 1970 to 2018 were included, in English or Spanish, to provide the concepts, classifications, and comprehensive management in the approach to abdominal compartment syndrome, for its treatment and the prevention of severe complications associated with the entity. Intravesical pressure measurement is the standard diagnostic method. Treatment is based on evacuation of the intraluminal content, identification and treatment of intra-abdominal lesions, improvement of abdominal wall compliance, and optimum administration of fluids and tissue perfusion. Laparotomy is generally followed by temporary abdominal wall closure 5 to 7 days after surgery. Reconstruction is performed 6 to 12 months after the last operation. Abdominal compartment syndrome should be diagnosed and operated on before organic damage from the illness occurs. Kidney injury can frequently progress and is a parameter for considering abdominal decompression. Having a biomarker for early damage would be ideal. Surgical treatment is successful in the majority of cases. A multidisciplinary focus is necessary for the intensive care and reconstructive needs of the patient. Thus, efforts must be made to define and implement strategies for patient quality of life optimization.

2019 WSES guidelines for the management of severe acute pancreatitis

Although most patients with acute pancreatitis have the mild form of the disease, about 20-30% develops a severe form, often associated with single or multiple organ dysfunction requiring intensive care. Identifying the severe form early is one of the major challenges in managing severe acute pancreatitis. Infection of the pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis occurs in about 20-40% of patients with severe acute pancreatitis, and is associated with worsening organ dysfunctions. While most patients with sterile necrosis can be managed nonoperatively, patients with infected necrosis usually require an intervention that can be percutaneous, endoscopic, or open surgical. These guidelines present evidence-based international consensus statements on the management of severe acute pancreatitis from collaboration of a panel of experts meeting during the World Congress of Emergency Surgery in June 27-30, 2018 in Bertinoro, Italy. The main topics of these guidelines fall under the following topics: Diagnosis, Antibiotic treatment, Management in the Intensive Care Unit, Surgical and operative management, and Open abdomen.

Routine open abdomen treatment compared with on-demand open abdomen or direct closure following open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: A propensity score-matched study

Objective:

To investigate whether a strategy of treatment with a primarily open abdomen improves outcome in terms of mortality and major complications in patients treated with open repair for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm compared to a strategy of primary closure of the abdomen.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Patients treated with a primarily open abdomen at a centre where this strategy was routine in most ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm patients were compared to a propensity score–matched control group of patients who had the abdomen closed at the end of the primary operation in a majority of the cases.

Results:

In total, 79 patients treated with a primarily open abdomen after open repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm at Sahlgrenska University Hospital were compared to a propensity score–matched control group of 148 patients. The abdomen was closed at the end of the procedure in 108 (73%) of the control patients. There was no difference in 30-day mortality between patients treated with a primarily open abdomen at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the controls, 21 (26.6%) versus 49 (33.1%), p = 0.37. The adjusted odds ratio for mortality at 30 days was 0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.35–1.25) in patients treated with a primarily open abdomen at Sahlgrenska University Hospital compared to the controls. No difference was observed between the groups regarding 90-day mortality, postoperative renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, postoperative intestinal ischaemia necessitating bowel resection or postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation.

Conclusions:

The study did not show any survival advantage or difference in major complications between patients treated with a primarily open abdomen after open repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and propensity-matched controls where the abdomen was primarily closed in a majority of the cases.

Expeditious Diagnosis and Laparotomy for Patients with Acute Abdominal Compartment Syndrome May Improve Survival

Causes of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are varied and can result from both medical and surgical diseases. Early recognition of ACS and prompt surgical treatment has been shown to improve mortality. We hypothesize that earlier recognition of ACS and earlier involvement by surgical specialists may improve mortality. A retrospective review between July 2010 and July 2015 was performed of adult patients who underwent decompressive laparotomy for ACS. Patients were divided into surgical and medical intensive care units (SICU and MICU) arms. Twenty patients were included (MICU = 12; SICU = 8) without significant difference between the groups. Median time from admission to suspicion for MICU patients was 60 hours versus 13 hours for SICU patients ( P = 0.013). Time from suspicion to surgical consult was 60 minutes versus 0 minutes, respectively ( P = 0.003), however, time from surgical consult to intervention was not different. Mortality rate in the MICU was 83 per cent versus 12.5 per cent in the SICU ( P = 0.005). Patients in the SICU who developed ACS were more quickly diagnosed than those in the MICU. These patients had a shorter time from suspicion of ACS to surgical consultation and eventual surgical intervention, and was associated with improved survival. A multidisciplinary approach, including early surgical consultation, for patients in whom there is a suspicion of ACS may contribute to improved mortality.

"Complex abdominal wall" management: evidence-based guidelines of the Italian Consensus Conference

To date, there is no shared consensus on a definition of a complex abdominal wall in elective surgery and in the emergency, on indications, technical details, complications, and follow-up. The purpose of the conference was to lay the foundations for a homogeneous approach to the complex abdominal wall with the primary intent being to attain the following objectives: (1) to develop evidence-based recommendations to define “complex abdominal wall”; (2) indications in emergency and in elective cases; (3) management of “complex abdominal wall”; (4) techniques for temporary abdominal closure. The decompressive laparostomy should be considered in a case of abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with critical conditions or after the failure of a medical treatment or less invasive methods. In the second one, beyond different mechanism, patients with surgical emergency diseases might reach the same pathophysiological end point of trauma patients where a preventive “open abdomen” might be indicated (a temporary abdominal closure: in the case of a non-infected field, the Wittmann patch and the NPWT had the best outcome followed by meshes; in the case of an infected field, NPWT techniques seem to be the preferred). The second priority is to create optimal both general as local conditions for healing: the right antimicrobial management, feeding—preferably by the enteral route—and managing correctly the open abdomen wall. The use of a mesh appears to be—if and when possible—the gold standard. There is a lot of enthusiasm about biological meshes. But the actual evidence supports their use only in contaminated or potentially contaminated fields but above all, to reduce the higher rate of recurrences, the wall anatomy and function should be restored in the midline, with or without component separation technique. On the other site has not to be neglected that the use of monofilament and macroporous non-absorbable meshes, in extraperitoneal position, in the setting of the complex abdomen with contamination, seems to have a cost effective role too. The idea of this consensus conference was mainly to try to bring order in the so copious, but not always so “evident” literature utilizing and exchanging the expertise of different specialists.

Open Abdomen in Trauma and Critical Care

The open abdomen technique and temporary abdominal closure after damage control surgery is fast becoming the standard of care for managing intra-abdominal bleeding and infectious or ischemic processes in critically ill patients. Expansion of this technique has evolved from damage control surgery in severely injured trauma patients to use in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome due to acute pancreatitis and other disorders. Subsequent therapies after use of the open abdomen technique and temporary abdominal closure are resuscitation in the intensive care unit and planned reoperation to manage the underlying cause of bleeding, infection, or ischemia. Determining the need for this potentially lifesaving intervention and managing the wound after the open abdomen has been created are all within the realm of critical care nurses. Case studies illustrate the implementation of the open abdomen technique and patient management strategies.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Colonic Ischaemia in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Colonic ischaemia (CI) is a severe complication following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, leading to high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of CI following AAA repair.

METHODS

National claims from Germany's third largest insurance provider, DAK-Gesundheit, were used to investigate CI after intact (iAAA) and ruptured (rAAA) AAA repairs. Patients undergoing endovascular (EVAR) or open surgical (OSR) repairs between January 2008 and December 2017 were included in the study.

RESULTS

There were 9145 patients (8248 iAAA and 897 rAAA) undergoing EVAR or OSR procedures and the median follow up was 2.28 years. Most patients were male (79.2% iAAA, 79.3% rAAA); the median age was 73.0 years (iAAA group) and 76.0 years (rAAA group). Overall, CI occurred 97 (1.2%) times after iAAA and 95 (10.6%) after rAAA. In univariable analyses CI occurred less often after EVAR than after OSR (0.6% vs. 3.7%; p < .001). Acute post-operative renal and respiratory insufficiencies were also related to the occurrence of CI (p < .001). CI was associated with greater in hospital mortality (42.2% vs. 2.7% for iAAA, 64.2% vs. 36.3% for rAAA; p < .001) and lower long-term survival for iAAA (Kaplan-Meier analysis). In multivariable analyses, rAAA (odds ratio [OR] 5.59), and higher van Walraven comorbidity score (OR 1.09) were independently associated with greater risk of CI occurrence. EVAR use (OR 0.30) was protective. EVAR use remained protective in stratified analyses within iAAA (OR 0.32) and rAAA (OR 0.26).

CONCLUSION

Post-operative CI after AAA repair is not common but is associated with worse in hospital outcomes and lower long-term survival. EVAR was protective after both rAAA and iAAA repairs. When discussing the treatment of AAA with patients the protective effect of EVAR should be considered. Future studies should validate predictive scores and advance preventive strategies.

Open abdomen with vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction in patients with complicated diffuse secondary peritonitis: A single-center 8-year experience

BACKGROUND

Open abdomen (OA) treatment in patients with peritonitis is increasing worldwide. Various temporary abdominal closure devices are being used. This study included patients with complicated diffuse secondary peritonitis, OA, and vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM). The aim of this study was to describe mortality and major morbidity in terms of delayed primary fascial closure and enteroatmospheric fistula rates.

METHODS

This was a single-academic-center retrospective study of consecutive patients with diffuse peritonitis, OA, and VAWCM between years 2008 and 2016. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were identified and analyzed. Median age was 59 years, preoperative septic shock was diagnosed in 54% (n = 22), and 59% (n = 24) had a postoperative peritonitis. Mortality was 29% (n = 12), and 76% (n = 31) of patients were admitted in the intensive care unit. The median duration of OA was 7 days with a median of two dressing changes. Delayed primary fascial closure rate among survivors was 92% (n = 33), and enteroatmospheric fistulas developed in 7% (n = 3). In a subgroup analysis, patients with OA in the primary laparotomy for peritonitis (n = 27) were compared with patients with OA in the subsequent laparotomies (n = 14). There were no significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The VAWCM technique in patients with complicated secondary diffuse peritonitis and OA yields excellent results in terms of delayed primary fascial closure rate and a low number of enteroatmospheric fistulas. It seems to be safe to close the abdomen at the index laparotomy, if possible, even if there is a risk of a need of OA later.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management study, level IV.

Acute mesenteric ischemia (Part II) - Vascular and endovascular surgical approaches

The modern treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) requires seamless collaboration of gastrointestinal surgeons, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists. The treatment strategy is straightforward aiming at rapid restoration of blood flow to the intestine. Bowel resection is performed on demand. The first thing to consider is the patient's clinical condition at presentation, whether there are signs of peritonitis or not, and whether the patient is hemodynamically stable or not. Second, there are four etiologies of AMI that need to be distinguished as they differ in treatment: superior mesenteric artery embolism, mesenteric arterial occlusive disease, mesenteric venous thrombosis, and non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia. In this review, we describe the basic vascular and endovascular treatment modalities accompanied by a simple algorithm for the various situations in AMI. Furthermore, the indications for damage control and primary definitive surgery are discussed.

How to identify patients at risk of abdominal compartment syndrome after surgical repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in the operating room: A pilot study

Objectives Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is poorly identified in surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and an early management is crucial. The aim of this study was to validate how many risk factors were needed to predict ACS. Secondary objectives were to assess its prevalence and the 30-day mortality. Methods All patients operated for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm during 5 years were included. An independent committee performed a retrospective diagnosis of ACS. Eight criteria were selected from the literature, and corresponded to pre- and intraoperative period: anemia (hemoglobin lower than 10 g/dL), prolonged shock (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg more than 18 min), preoperative cardiac arrest, obesity (body mass index > 30), massive fluid resuscitation (≥3500 mL per hour for at least 1 h) and transfusions (>10 units packed blood red cell since the beginning of the treatment), severe hypothermia (≤33℃), acidosis (pH < 7.2). Sensitivity and specificity were assessed for each number of criteria. Results Eight patients were ACS+ and 28 ACS-, with three criteria for ACS+ and 1.5 for ACS- ( p = 0.002). Three criteria among the eight selected criteria have the best cutoff for sensitivity and specificity (75% and 82%) with a positive predictive value of 54% and a negative predictive value of 92%. The prevalence of ACS was 17%. The 30-day mortality in ACS+ tended to be higher than in ACS- ( p = 0.108). Conclusion The present results suggest that patients with an ACS seemed to have higher mortality and the threshold of three factors among eight specific factors is enough to predict this.

Negative-pressure wound therapy for prevention and treatment of surgical-site infections after vascular surgery

BACKGROUND

Indications for negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in vascular surgical patients are expanding. The aim of this review was to outline the evidence for NPWT on open and closed wounds.

METHODS

A PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library search from 2007 to June 2016 was performed combining the medical subject headings terms 'wound infection', 'abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)', 'fasciotomy', 'vascular surgery' and 'NPWT' or 'VAC'.

RESULTS

NPWT of open infected groin wounds was associated with shorter duration of wound healing by 47 days, and was more cost-effective than alginate dressings in one RCT. In one RCT and six observational studies, NPWT-related major bleeding and graft preservation rates were 0-10 and 83-100 per cent respectively. One retrospective comparative study showed greater wound size reduction per day, fewer dressing changes, quicker wound closure and shorter hospital stay with NPWT compared with gauze dressings for lower leg fasciotomy. NPWT and mesh-mediated fascial traction after AAA repair and open abdomen was associated with high primary fascial closure rates (96-100 per cent) and low risk of graft infection (0-7 per cent). One retrospective comparative study showed a significant reduction in surgical-site infection, from 30 per cent with standard wound care to 6 per cent with closed incisional NPWT.

CONCLUSION

NPWT has a central role in open and infected wounds after vascular surgery; the results of prophylactic care of closed incisions are promising.

Abdominal compartment syndrome after endovascular repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm leads to acute intestinal necrosis: Case report

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) after endovascular repair (EVAR) of rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is a rare emergency situation, which has a high mortality. However, the progression of ACS is rapid and the diagnosis is usually been delayed, which increase the difficulties in treatment and affect the prognosis. We describe a case of a sever complication (acute intestinal necrosis) resulting from ACS after endovascular repair of rAAA.

CLINICAL FINDING

An elderly man, 81 years old, complained a sudden lower abdominal and back pain without any predisposing cause. He had a history of hypertension for 20 years without any regular anti-hypertensive therapy. Physical Examination revealed that the blood pressure was 89/54 mmHg, pulse was 120/min, oxygen saturation was 91%. The abdominal ultrasound and the CTA (computed tomography angiography) scan revealed a rAAA. Emergency EVAR under general anesthesia was performed for this patient.

DIAGNOSIS

Fourteen hours after endovascular repair, sudden decreased of blood pressure (70/50 mmHg) and oxygen saturation (70%) was observed. ACS or bleeding of retroperitoneal space was diagnosed.

INTERVENTIONS

Abdominal laparotomy was immediately performed. ACS was verified and a severe complication (acute intestinal necrosis) was observed, intestinal resection was performed for this patient.

OUTCOMES

Unfortunately, this patient died after operation because of multi-organ failure in a very short period, which is very rare regarding to this condition. Surgical pathology, diagnosis and management were discussed.

CONCLUSION

ACS was occurred with a severe complication (acute intestinal necrosis) in a very short period, which is very rare regarding to this condition after EVAR, it reminds us the severe result of ACS and more methods to prevent it happened after surgical management.

Editor's Choice - Abdominal Compartment Syndrome After Surgery for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Nationwide Population Based Study

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

The understanding of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and its importance for outcome, has increased over time. The aim was to investigate the incidence and clinical consequences of ACS after open (OR) and endovascular repair (EVAR) for ruptured and intact infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA and iAAA, respectively).

METHODS

In 2008, ACS and decompression laparotomy (DL) were introduced as variables in the Swedish vascular registry (Swedvasc), offering an opportunity to study this complication in a prospective, population based design. Operations carried out in the period 2008-13 were analysed. Of 6,612 operations, 1,341 (20.3%) were for rAAA (72.0% OR) and 5,271 (79.7%) for iAAA (41.9% OR). In all, 3,171 (48.0%) were operated on by OR and 3,441 by EVAR. Prophylactic open abdomen (OA) treatment was validated through case records. Cross-matching with the national population registry secured valid mortality data.

RESULTS

After rAAA repair, ACS developed in 6.8% after OR versus 6.9% after EVAR (p = 1.0). All major complications were more common after ACS (p < .001). Prophylactic OA was performed in 10.7% of patients after OR. For ACS, DL was performed in 77.3% after OR and 84.6% after EVAR (p = .433). The 30 day mortality rate was 42.4% with ACS and 23.5% without ACS (p < .001); at 1 year it was 50.7% versus 31.8% (p < .001). After iAAA repair, ACS developed in 1.6% of patients after OR versus 0.5% after EVAR (p < .001). Among those with ACS, DL was performed in 68.6% after OR and in 25.0% after EVAR (p = .006). Thirty day mortality was 11.5% with ACS versus 1.8% without it (p < .001); at 1 year it was 27.5% versus 6.3% (p < .001). When ACS developed, renal failure, multiple organ failure, intestinal ischaemia, and prolonged intensive care were much more frequent (p < .001). Morbidity and mortality were similar, regardless of primary surgical technique (OR/EVAR/iAAA/rAAA).

CONCLUSION

ACS and OA were common after treatment for rAAA. ACS is a devastating complication after surgery for rAAA and iAAA, irrespective of operative technique, emphasizing the importance of prevention.

Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome

Background

The effect of decompressive laparotomy on outcomes in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome has been poorly investigated. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to describe the effect of decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome on organ function and outcomes.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study in adult patients who underwent decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. The primary endpoints were 28‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality. Changes in intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) and organ function, and laparotomy‐related morbidity were secondary endpoints.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were included in the study (20 men). Twenty‐seven patients were surgical admissions treated for abdominal conditions. The median (i.q.r.) Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 26 (20–32). Median IAP was 23 (21–27) mmHg before decompressive laparotomy, decreasing to 12 (9–15), 13 (8–17), 12 (9–15) and 12 (9–14) mmHg after 2, 6, 24 and 72 h. Decompressive laparotomy significantly improved oxygenation and urinary output. Survivors showed improvement in organ function scores, but non‐survivors did not. Fourteen complications related to the procedure developed in eight of the 33 patients. The abdomen could be closed primarily in 18 patients. The overall 28‐day mortality rate was 36 per cent (12 of 33), which increased to 55 per cent (18 patients) at 1 year. Non‐survivors were no different from survivors, except that they tended to be older and on mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

Decompressive laparotomy reduced IAP and had an immediate effect on organ function. It should be considered in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome.

Improves organ function

Delayed Closure of 61 Open Abdomen Patients Based on an Algorithm

Hemodynamic resuscitation, source control, and delayed abdominal closure are the three fundamental steps for open abdomen (OA) management. When to start delayed abdominal closure and how to determine which delayed closure method should be applied to each OA patient are not clarified in the literature. We evaluated an algorithm that was developed to address these two questions. A retrospective chart review was conducted for OA patients treated for according to the algorithm. When hemodynamic stabilization and source control using negative pressure therapy resulted in regression of sepsis and decreased procalcitonin levels, patients were assigned to either the skin-only or fascial closure groups according to their Björck scores and open abdominal fascial closure (OAFC) scores. The novel OAFC scoring system was created by adding age and malignancy to the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. For skin-only closure, skin flaps and skin grafts were used; for fascial closure, an abdominal re-approximation anchor system (ABRA) or ABRA plus biologic mesh was applied. From January 2008 through September 2014, 108 OA patients were managed based on the algorithm; 61 were included in this study. Abdominal closure rate was 90.2 % (55/61). Overall hospital mortality rate was 11.4 % (7/61). Small hernias developed in only 12.5 % (4/32) of the fascial closure group. In this retrospective study, the algorithm with the novel OAFC score provided practical and valid guidance to clarify when to start delayed abdominal closure and which delayed closure method to use for each OA patient.

Temporary Abdominal Closure After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Systematic Review of Contemporary Observational Studies

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper was to review the literature on temporary abdominal closure (TAC) after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

METHODS

This was a systematic review of observational studies. A PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane search from 2007 to July 2015 was performed combining the Medical Subject Headings "aortic aneurysm" and "temporary abdominal closure", "delayed abdominal closure", "open abdomen", "abdominal compartment syndrome", "negative pressure wound therapy", or "vacuum assisted wound closure".

RESULTS

Seven original studies were found. The methods used for TAC were the vacuum pack system with (n = 1) or without (n = 2) mesh bridge, vacuum assisted wound closure (VAWC; n = 1) and the VAWC with mesh mediated fascial traction (VACM; n = 3). The number of patients included varied from four to 30. Three studies were exclusively after open repair, one after endovascular aneurysm repair, and three were mixed series. The frequency of ruptured AAA varied from 60% to 100%. The primary fascial closure rate varied from 79% to 100%. The median time to closure of the open abdomen was 10.5 and 17 days in two prospective studies with a fascial closure rate of 100% and 96%, respectively; the inclusion criterion was an anticipated open abdomen therapy time ≥5 days using the VACM method. The graft infection rate was 0% in three studies. No patient with long-term open abdomen therapy with the VACM in the three studies was left with a planned ventral hernia. The in hospital survival rate varied from 46% to 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

A high fascial closure rate without planned ventral hernia is possible to achieve with VACM, even after long-term open abdomen therapy. There are, however, few publications reporting specific results of open abdomen treatment after AAA repair, and there is a need for randomized controlled trials to determine the most efficient and safe TAC method during open abdomen treatment after AAA repair.

Individual-patient meta-analysis of three randomized trials comparing endovascular versus open repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

The benefits of endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm remain controversial, without any strong evidence about advantages in specific subgroups.

METHODS

An individual-patient data meta-analysis of three recent randomized trials of endovascular versus open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm was conducted according to a prespecified analysis plan, reporting on results to 90 days after the index event.

RESULTS

The trials included a total of 836 patients. The mortality rate across the three trials was 31.3 per cent for patients randomized to endovascular repair/strategy and 34.0 per cent for those randomized to open repair at 30 days (pooled odds ratio 0.88, 95 per cent c.i. 0.66 to 1.18), and 34.3 and 38.0 per cent respectively at 90 days (pooled odds ratio 0.85, 0.64 to 1.13). There was no evidence of significant heterogeneity in the odds ratios between trials. Mean(s.d.) aneurysm diameter was 8.2(1.9) cm and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 34.8 per cent. There was no significant effect modification with age or Hardman index, but there was indication of an early benefit from an endovascular strategy for women. Discharge from the primary hospital was faster after endovascular repair (hazard ratio 1.24, 95 per cent c.i. 1.04 to 1.47). For open repair, 30-day mortality diminished with increasing aneurysm neck length (adjusted odds ratio 0.69 (95 per cent c.i. 0.53 to 0.89) per 15 mm), but aortic diameter was not associated with mortality for either type of repair.

CONCLUSION

Survival to 90 days following an endovascular or open repair strategy is similar for all patients and for the restricted population anatomically suitable for endovascular repair. Women may benefit more from an endovascular strategy than men and patients are, on average, discharged sooner after endovascular repair.

Response to pathological processes in the peritoneal cavity--sepsis, tumours, adhesions, and ascites

The peritoneum is one of the commonest sites for pathological processes in pediatric surgery. Its response to pathological processes is characterized by an inflammatory reaction with specific pathways depending on the type of injury or peritoneal process involved. This review discusses the current understanding of peritoneal inflammation, adhesion formation, intra-abdominal sepsis, peritoneal metastasis, and ascites and briefly reviews new therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent these pathological entities. Recent studies have improved the understanding of peritoneal responses, resulting in possible new targets for prevention and therapy.

[Open treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome after contained aortic aneurysm rupture]

For the first time in Hungary, a patient with abdominal compartment syndrome after contained aortic aneurysm rupture was treated successfully implementing open abdomen treatment with vacuum-assisted wound closure (V.A.C.) and delayed abdominal wall closure with mesh.

CASE REPORT

Contained aortic aneurysm rupture was diagnosed by CT angiography in a 59-year-old patient. After the acute reconstruction of the ruptured aorta (by an open procedure with aorto-aortic Dacron interposition) during the closure of the abdominal cavity the patient could not be effectively ventilated due to high intra-abdominal pressure caused by the severe oedema of the abdominal wall and the hematoma in the retroperitoneal space. In this situation, we decided upon open abdominal treatment using V.A.C. After regular changes of V.A.C. the abdomen was closed with DualMesh and three weeks later the patient was discharged home in good condition.

CONCLUSION

In our case, abdominal closure was not implemented after the reconstruction of the ruptured aortic aneurysm due to the extensive oedema. The complications of abdominal compartment syndrome were prevented with the open treatment. Based on our experience and on the results of the international literature we highly recommend open abdominal treatment with V.A.C. in case of abdominal compartment syndrome.