Abdominal compartment syndrome: urological aspects

Severe postoperative dyspnea caused by neglected massive intraperitoneal fluid collection during laser enucleation and morcellation of the prostate: a case report

Laser enucleation and morcellation of the prostate is an increasingly used surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, it can cause several complications including capsular perforation, ureteral orifice injury, and bladder mucosal morcellation injury. Herein, we report a case of severe postoperative dyspnea caused by neglected massive intraperitoneal fluid collection during laser surgery of the prostate. The patient experienced massive abdominal distension and severe respiratory difficulty after the procedure. Although immediate postoperative cystogram showed no leakage of contrast dye, the computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed massive fluid collection in the abdominal pelvic cavity suggesting bladder wall injury. After percutaneous drainage of intraperitoneal fluid, abdominal distention and dyspnea were relieved.

Correlation between procalcitonin and intra-abdominal pressure and their role in prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Early assessment of disease severity and vigilant patient monitoring are key factors for adequate treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of procalcitonin (PCT) serum concentrations and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as prognostic markers in early stages of AP.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 51 patients, of which 29 had severe AP (SAP). Patients were evaluated with the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, C-reactive protein (CRP) and PCT serum concentrations and IAP at 24 h from admission. PCT was measured three times in the 1st week of disease and three times afterward, while IAP was measured daily. PCT and IAP values correlated with each other, and also compared with APACHE II score and CRP values.

RESULTS

PCT, IAP, CRP values and APACHE II score at 24 h after hospital admission were significantly elevated in patients with SAP. There was significant correlation between PCT and IAP values measured at 24 h of admission, and between maximal PCT and IAP values. Sensitivity/specificity for predicting AP severity at 24 h after admission was 89%/69% for APACHE II score, 75%/86% for CRP, 86%/63% for PCT and 75%/77% for IAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased IAP was accompanied by increased PCT serum concentration in patients with AP. PCT and IAP can both be used as early markers of AP severity.

Surgical hemorrhage, damage control, and the abdominal compartment syndrome

The morbidity and mortality associated with surgical hemorrhage are considerable, particularly when relaparotomy is necessary. This complication can usually be avoided with comprehensive preoperative patient evaluation and meticulous surgical technique. The damage control sequence is a useful surgical strategy when severe intraoperative coagulopathy or hemodynamic instability is present. Abdominal compartment syndrome is a potentially lethal phenomenon that can occur following laparotomy or large-volume fluid resuscitation, or both. Early recognition and intervention are critical to survival of the patient when this syndrome occurs.

Use of power Doppler ultrasound to monitor renal perfusion during burn shock

BACKGROUND

Renal cortical blood flow can be quantified by means of power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) image analysis. We hypothesized that renal cortical perfusion, estimated by PDUS image intensity (PDUSII), would decrease during burn shock and improve during resuscitation in a porcine model.

METHODS

Eight anesthetized swine sustained a 75% scald injury. Resuscitation began 6h postburn. Renal cortical blood flow was measured directly using fluorescent microspheres (CORFLO), and was estimated noninvasively by PDUSII. PDUSII, CORFLO, and cardiopulmonary data were recorded every 2h.

RESULTS

PDUSII decreased significantly from preburn to postburn hour 6, and increased with resuscitation by hour 8. CORFLO correlated well with PDUS image intensity (n=48, r(2)=0.696) but poorly with urine output (n=48, r(2)=0.252).

CONCLUSION

PDUS in this study was superior to the urine output in assessing renal cortical microvascular blood flow during shock and resuscitation, and may be useful in the care of injured patients.

Compartment syndrome. The silent danger related to patient positioning and surgery

Compartment syndrome affecting the limbs is a well-documented condition and there are cases where it has become evident following surgery undertaken with the patient in the Lloyd Davies position. This article explores the contributory factors and the devastating effect it can have on the patient, and questions whether we practise evidence-based care when patients are undergoing certain types of surgery. It also discusses factors related to abdominal compartment syndrome, a condition usually affecting the critically ill patient.