Clinical and diagnostic aspects of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment-syndrome (review of literature)

Elevated intra-abdominal respiration may influence negatively the function of the digestive tract as well as the respiratory, cardiovascular, excretory and central nervous system. This condition is known as abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). ACS is considered when intra - abdominal pressure exceeds 20 mm Hg (26 cm H 2O). Treatment includes various therapeutic measures in case of ineffective conservative treatment, a decompressive laparotomy should be performed. This is a syndrome that should be considered by clinicians confronting critical patients in their daily practice.