Compartment Syndrome (compartment + syndrome)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Compartment Syndrome

  • abdominal compartment syndrome
  • limb compartment syndrome


  • Selected Abstracts


    ABDOMINAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME AFTER RUPTURED ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 8 2008
    John Y. S. Choi
    Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is an increasingly recognized syndrome of intra-abdominal hypertension and generalized physiological dysfunction in critically ill patients. Patients suffering a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) are at risk of developing ACS. The objective of the study was to compare the current views on the importance, prevalence and management of ACS after rAAA among Australian vascular surgeons and intensivists. A questionnaire was mailed to 116 registered vascular fellows from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and 314 registered fellows of the Joint Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine. Data were collected on the prevalence and importance of ACS after rAAA and whether prophylactic measures were or should be taken to prevent ACS. Hypothetical clinical scenarios representing a range of ACS after rAAA were also presented. The responses were compared using ,2 -test and t -test. Sixty-seven per cent (78 of 116) of surgeons and 39% (122 of 314) of intensivists responded. Both groups estimated the prevalence of ACS after rAAA as between 10 and 30% and considered it an important entity. Only 30% of surgeons and 50% of intensivists suggested routine intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring. In patients with borderline IAP (18 mmHg), both groups believed that surgical intervention was unnecessary. Intensivists were more inclined to suggest surgical intervention for clinically deteriorating patients with an increased IAP (30 mmHg) compared with surgeons. Forty-three per cent of intensivists and 17% of surgeons suggested prophylactic (leaving the abdomen open) measures to prevent ACS in high-risk patients. Surgeons and intensivists have similar views on the prevalence and clinical importance of ACS after rAAA. Intensivists more frequently monitored IAP and suggested both early prophylactic and therapeutic intervention for ACS based on physiological and IAP findings. [source]


    ACUTE COMPARTMENT SYNDROME: ,TO CUT OR NOT TO CUT'.

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 9 2007
    THAT IS THE QUESTION
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    SURVEY OF MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE, TRAUMATIC COMPARTMENT SYNDROME OF THE LEG IN AUSTRALIA

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 9 2007
    Christopher J. Wall
    Background: Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency and is associated with significant morbidity if not diagnosed promptly and treated effectively. Despite the urgency of effective management to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes, there is currently little consensus in the published reports as to what constitutes best practice in the management of acute limb compartment syndrome. Methods: A structured survey was sent to all currently practising orthopaedic surgeons and accredited orthopaedic registrars in Australia to assess their current practice in the management of acute, traumatic compartment syndrome of the leg. Questions were related to key decision nodes in the management process, as identified in a literature review. These included identification of patients at high risk, diagnosis of the condition in alert and unconscious patients, optimal timeframe and technique for carrying out a fasciotomy and management of fasciotomy wounds. Results: A total of 264 valid responses were received, a response rate of 29% of all eligible respondents. The results indicated considerable variation in management of acute compartment syndrome of the leg, in particular in the utilization of compartment pressure measurement and the appropriate pressure threshold for fasciotomy. Of the 78% of respondents who regularly measured compartment pressure, 33% used an absolute pressure threshold, 28% used a differential pressure threshold and 39% took both into consideration. Conclusions: There is variation in the management of acute, traumatic compartment syndrome of the leg in Australia. The development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines may be beneficial. [source]


    COMPARTMENT SYNDROME IN UROLOGICAL PRACTICE

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2009
    Sarvpreet S. Ubee
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Case Report of Cardiac Arrest, Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, and Thoracic Aortic Injury with Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Tear

    JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 4 2007
    Randy M. Stevens M.D.
    Currently, endografts are not FDA-approved for treating thoracic aortic injury (TAI). We report a case of TAI who presented in hemorrhagic shock and preoperative cardiac arrest who was successfully treated with large volume resuscitation, closed chest cardiac massage, exploratory laparotomy, and thoracic endografting. [source]


    Iatrogenic Forearm Compartment Syndrome in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Induced by Brachial Artery Puncture and Acute Anticoagulation

    JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
    M.H.A, SHAY SHABAT M.D.
    A previously healthy patient developed late compartment syndrome in the cardiac intensive care unit after a brachial artery puncture due to acute heparinization after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and stent implantation. The cardiologists recognized the problem and immediately consulted an orthopedic surgeon, who promptly performed surgery. The latter consisted of decompression and fasciotomy. The patient recovered excellent hand function without any neurologic or muscular deficits. Knowledge and understanding of the clinical aspects of this complication are crucial in this devastating syndrome. [source]


    ABDOMINAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME AFTER RUPTURED ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 8 2008
    John Y. S. Choi
    Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is an increasingly recognized syndrome of intra-abdominal hypertension and generalized physiological dysfunction in critically ill patients. Patients suffering a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) are at risk of developing ACS. The objective of the study was to compare the current views on the importance, prevalence and management of ACS after rAAA among Australian vascular surgeons and intensivists. A questionnaire was mailed to 116 registered vascular fellows from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and 314 registered fellows of the Joint Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine. Data were collected on the prevalence and importance of ACS after rAAA and whether prophylactic measures were or should be taken to prevent ACS. Hypothetical clinical scenarios representing a range of ACS after rAAA were also presented. The responses were compared using ,2 -test and t -test. Sixty-seven per cent (78 of 116) of surgeons and 39% (122 of 314) of intensivists responded. Both groups estimated the prevalence of ACS after rAAA as between 10 and 30% and considered it an important entity. Only 30% of surgeons and 50% of intensivists suggested routine intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring. In patients with borderline IAP (18 mmHg), both groups believed that surgical intervention was unnecessary. Intensivists were more inclined to suggest surgical intervention for clinically deteriorating patients with an increased IAP (30 mmHg) compared with surgeons. Forty-three per cent of intensivists and 17% of surgeons suggested prophylactic (leaving the abdomen open) measures to prevent ACS in high-risk patients. Surgeons and intensivists have similar views on the prevalence and clinical importance of ACS after rAAA. Intensivists more frequently monitored IAP and suggested both early prophylactic and therapeutic intervention for ACS based on physiological and IAP findings. [source]


    Compartment syndrome associated with the Lloyd Davies position

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2001
    Three case reports, review of the literature
    The Lloyd Davies position was developed to facilitate access to the pelvis for gynaecological, urological and colorectal procedures. Previous case reports have demonstrated that prolonged adoption (> 4 h) of this position has been associated with the development of bilateral compartment syndrome of the calves. All three patients reported here suffered severe bilateral calf pain despite the use of thoracic epidurals. All three cases required three-compartment fasciotomies and, 6 months after surgery, were all still severely disabled as a consequence of the compartment syndrome. These case reports stress the dangers of use of the Lloyd Davies position for prolonged procedures and demonstrate that some patients are at risk after relatively short periods (< 3 h). Previous case reports and clinical studies have focused on the effect of limb elevation in stirrups on the arterial pressure in the lower limb. We review the pathophysiology of compartment syndrome and consider factors other than a decrease in arterial pressure that may predispose to compartment syndrome during adoption of the Lloyd Davies position. [source]


    2423: Compartment syndrome in glaucoma damage, a new hypothesis?

    ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
    S ORGUL
    Purpose To evaluate the potential similarities in pathophysiology between non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods The currently accepted views of the pathophysiology of AION and general understanding of the clinical picture of this ischemic condition were reviewed. Based on the hypothesis of the group in Wisconsin, who postulated a compartment syndrome of the anterior optic nerve within the tight anatomical structures of the lamina cribrosa, parallels were drawn for glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and a new hypothesis for the pathogenesis of the latter condition was suggested. Results The tight structures around, but also within the "disk at risk" observed in a majority of patients with AION are well compatible with the hypothesis of a compartment syndrome. Similar conditions may result from the restructuring process within the lamina cribrosa in POAG and lead to locally limited, but repeated "AION-like" processes, explaining why some patients progress despite reduced intraocular pressure. Conclusion The pathophysiology of POAG, especially in advanced cases, and AION seem to present similarities, which need to be better understood. [source]


    Abdominal compartment syndrome: a new indication for operative intervention in severe acute pancreatitis

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 12 2005
    K. Wong
    Summary The current management of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is maximal conservative therapy within an intensive care environment. The only commonly accepted indication for operative intervention is the presence of infected pancreatic necrosis. We present a case wherein a laparotomy performed for treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) arising in the setting of SAP in the absence of pancreatic necrosis prevented early mortality and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of ACS as a new indication for operative intervention in SAP. [source]


    Necrotizing fasciitis: delay in diagnosis results in loss of limb

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
    Rajat Varma MD
    A 58-year-old man presented to the Emergency Room with a 1-day history of severe pain in the left lower extremity preceded by several days of redness and swelling. He denied any history of trauma. He also denied any systemic symptoms including fever and chills. His past medical history was significant for diabetes, hypertension, deep vein thrombosis, and Evans' syndrome, an autoimmune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, for which he was taking oral prednisone. Physical examination revealed a warm, tender, weeping, edematous, discolored left lower extremity. From the medial aspect of the ankle up to the calf, there was an indurated, dusky, violaceous plaque with focal areas of ulceration (Fig. 1). Figure 1. Grossly edematous lower extremity with well-demarcated, dusky, violaceous plaque with focal ulceration Laboratory data revealed a white blood cell count of 6.7 × 103/mm3[normal range, (4.5,10.8) × 103/mm3], hemoglobin of 11.5 g/dL (13.5,17.5 g/dL), and platelets of 119 × 103/mm3[(140,440) × 103/mm3]. Serum electrolytes were within normal limits. An ultrasound was negative for a deep vein thrombosis. After the initial evaluation, the Emergency Room physician consulted the orthopedic and dermatology services. Orthopedics did not detect compartment syndrome and did not pursue surgical intervention. Dermatology recommended a biopsy and urgent vascular surgery consultation to rule out embolic or thrombotic phenomena. Despite these recommendations, the patient was diagnosed with "cellulitis" and admitted to the medicine ward for intravenous nafcillin. Over the next 36 h, the "cellulitis" had advanced proximally to his inguinal region. His mental status also declined, and he showed signs of septic shock, including hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Vascular surgery was immediately consulted, and the patient underwent emergency surgical debridement. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was then made. Tissue pathology revealed full-thickness necrosis through the epidermis with subepidermal splitting. Dermal edema was also present with a diffuse neutrophilic infiltrate (Fig. 2). This infiltrate extended through the fat into the subcutaneous tissue and fascia. Tissue cultures sent at the time of surgery grew Escherichia coli. Initial blood cultures also came back positive for E. coli. Anaerobic cultures remained negative. Figure 2. Necrotic epidermis with subepidermal splitting. Marked dermal edema with mixed infiltrate and prominent neutrophils. Hematoxylin and eosin: original magnification, ×20 After surviving multiple additional debridements, the patient eventually required an above-the-knee amputation due to severe necrosis. [source]


    Iatrogenic Forearm Compartment Syndrome in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Induced by Brachial Artery Puncture and Acute Anticoagulation

    JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
    M.H.A, SHAY SHABAT M.D.
    A previously healthy patient developed late compartment syndrome in the cardiac intensive care unit after a brachial artery puncture due to acute heparinization after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and stent implantation. The cardiologists recognized the problem and immediately consulted an orthopedic surgeon, who promptly performed surgery. The latter consisted of decompression and fasciotomy. The patient recovered excellent hand function without any neurologic or muscular deficits. Knowledge and understanding of the clinical aspects of this complication are crucial in this devastating syndrome. [source]


    Comment on: Left hand compartment syndrome: A rare complication of Henoch,Schönlein purpura

    JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 5 2009
    Jae Il Shin Dr
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Review article: the abdominal compartment syndrome

    ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2008
    S. M. LERNER
    Summary Background, The term abdominal compartment syndrome refers to hypoperfusion and ischaemia of intra-abdominal viscera and structures caused by raised intra-abdominal pressure. It occurs most commonly following major trauma and complex surgical procedures, but can also occur in their absence. Definitive treatment is decompression at laparotomy. Prevention and recognition of abdominal compartment syndrome are crucial to avoid additional morbidity and mortality. Postinjury abdominal compartment syndrome continues to complicate current resuscitation methods and new strategies for resuscitating critically ill patients need to be explored in addition to more accurate monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure. Aim, To examine the published literature regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of the abdominal compartment syndrome. Methods, A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken. Results, This syndrome is an important complication of major trauma and surgery as well as being recognized in critically-ill medical patients. It requires prompt recognition with a view to decompression at laparotomy. Conclusions, The abdominal compartment syndrome is an important complication of trauma, surgery and resuscitation. Key to its management are its prompt recognition and abdominal decompression. [source]


    Abdominal compartment syndrome after liver transplantation

    LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2005
    Alexander E. Handschin
    The abdominal compartment syndrome is a well-known complication after abdominal trauma and is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for renal failure and mortality after adult orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We present a case report of a young patient who presented with acute liver failure complicated by an acute pancreatitis. The patient developed an acute abdominal compartment syndrome after OLT. Transurethral measurement of intraabdominal pressure indicated an abdominal compartment syndrome associated with impaired abdominal vascular perfusion, including liver perfusion. Renal insufficiency was immediately reversed after decompressive bedside laparotomy. The abdominal compartment syndrome is a potential source of posttransplant renal insufficiency and liver necrosis in OLT. It remains, however, a rarely described complication after liver transplantation, despite the presence of significant factors that contribute to elevated intraabdominal pressure. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:98,100.) [source]


    Epidural analgesia and compartment syndrome

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 5 2009
    Suresh Chittoodan
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Does epidural analgesia delay the diagnosis of lower limb compartment syndrome in children?

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 2 2009
    DOUG J.G. JOHNSON MBChB MRCP FRCA
    Summary One of the cardinal symptoms of compartment syndrome is pain. A literature review was undertaken in order to assess the association of epidural analgesia and compartment syndrome in children, whether epidural analgesia delays the diagnosis, and to identify patients who might be at risk. Evidence was sought to offer recommendations in the use of epidural analgesia in patients at risk of developing compartment syndrome of the lower limb. Increasing analgesic use, increasing/breakthrough pain and pain remote to the surgical site were identified as important early warning signs of impending compartment syndrome in the lower limb of a child with a working epidural. The presence of any should trigger immediate examination of the painful site, and active management of the situation (we have proposed one clinical pathway). Avoidance of dense sensory or motor block and unnecessary sensory blockade of areas remote to the surgical site allows full assessment of the child and may prevent any delay in diagnosis of compartment syndrome. Focusing on excluding the diagnosis of compartment syndrome rather than failure of analgesic modality is vital. In the pediatric cases reviewed there was no clear evidence that the presence of an epidural had delayed the diagnosis. [source]


    Life threatening tension pneumoperitoneum from intestinal perforation during air reduction of intussusception

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 9 2002
    E. Ng MD, FRCPC
    Summary We present a case report of a child with intussusception who underwent air reduction which was complicated by bowel perforation. Life threatening tension pneumoperitoneum developed rapidly and immediate needle decompression was life saving in this case. The pathophysiology of hyperacute abdominal compartment syndrome is discussed. [source]


    Clinical characteristics of children with snakebite poisioning and management of complications in the pediatric intensive care unit

    PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2005
    Gonca Ozay
    AbstractBackground:,Venomous snakebite is an emergency condition with high morbidity and mortality in childhood. Nearly all venomous snakes in Turkey are members of the Viperidae family and show poisonous local and hematotoxic effects. Methods:,A total of 77 children (mean age 9.9 ± 2.9 years; age range 3,14 years) with venomous snakebites were investigated. General characteristics of the children, species of the snakes, localization of the bite, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment approaches, complications and prognosis were evaluated. Results:,The male to female ratio was 1.4. Ninety-one per cent of cases were from rural areas. Most of the bites were seen in May and June. Mean duration between snakebites and admissions to our department was 13 ± 6.5 h. According to a clinical grading score, 57.1% of patients presented to us as grade II. Mean leukocyte count, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine phosphokinase and protrombin time levels were above the normal ranges and mean activated partial tromboplastin time was below the normal range. Platelet counts inversely correlated with the grading score and duration of hospitalization. The most common complication that occurred during the treatment was tissue necrosis (13%). The mean hospital stay time was 6.3 ± 6 days. Three children with disseminated intravascular coagulation died. Fasciotomies were performed to seven (9.1%) children due to compartment syndrome. Of 10 children with tissue necrosis, three (3.9%) had finger amputation and seven (9.1%) had toe amputation. Higher grading score on admission, platelet count below 120 000/mm3, AST over 50 IU/L and existence of evident ecchymosis were found as significant risk factors for development of serious complications by logistic regression analysis. Conclusions:,Snakebite poisoning is an emergency medical condition that is particularly important in childhood. The envenomations are still considerable public health problems with a high morbidity and mortality in rural areas of Turkey. [source]


    Systemic capillary leak syndrome resulting in compartment syndrome and the requirement for a surgical airway

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2009
    J. Perry
    Summary We report on a case of systemic capillary leak syndrome associated with a monoclonal band on plasma electrophoresis. In our patient hospital admission was precipitated by ischaemic pain in the left lower limb, associated with polycythaemia, renal failure and hypovolaemic shock. Fluid resuscitation, venesection and renal replacement therapy were instituted but a compartment syndrome developed necessitating surgery. Failure of tracheal intubation resulted in the requirement for a surgical airway. Despite surgical and resuscitative efforts the outcome was fatal from hypovolaemia and hyperkalaemia. We aim to highlight the difficulties in managing this condition and to remind healthcare workers to include it in the differential diagnoses for patients presenting with polycythaemia; in particular polycythaemic patients with a monoclonal band on plasma electrophoresis. [source]


    Abdominal compartment syndrome during hip arthroscopy

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 5 2009
    A. Sharma
    Summary Hip arthroscopy is recognised as a highly effective means of treating joint disorders. The majority of complications associated with hip arthroscopy involve neurovascular traction injury. We report a relatively unusual complication of hip arthroscopy, extravasation of irrigation fluid into the retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal cavities, resulting in abdominal compartment syndrome. [source]


    Compartment syndrome associated with the Lloyd Davies position

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2001
    Three case reports, review of the literature
    The Lloyd Davies position was developed to facilitate access to the pelvis for gynaecological, urological and colorectal procedures. Previous case reports have demonstrated that prolonged adoption (> 4 h) of this position has been associated with the development of bilateral compartment syndrome of the calves. All three patients reported here suffered severe bilateral calf pain despite the use of thoracic epidurals. All three cases required three-compartment fasciotomies and, 6 months after surgery, were all still severely disabled as a consequence of the compartment syndrome. These case reports stress the dangers of use of the Lloyd Davies position for prolonged procedures and demonstrate that some patients are at risk after relatively short periods (< 3 h). Previous case reports and clinical studies have focused on the effect of limb elevation in stirrups on the arterial pressure in the lower limb. We review the pathophysiology of compartment syndrome and consider factors other than a decrease in arterial pressure that may predispose to compartment syndrome during adoption of the Lloyd Davies position. [source]


    Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 3 2010
    Christopher J. Wall
    Abstract Background:, Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency, and is associated with significant morbidity if not managed appropriately. There is variation in management of acute limb compartment syndrome in Australia. Methods:, Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma were developed in accordance with Australian National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations. The guidelines were based on critically appraised literature evidence and the consensus opinion of a multidisciplinary team involved in trauma management who met in a nominal panel process. Results:, Recommendations were developed for key decision nodes in the patient care pathway, including methods of diagnosis in alert and unconscious patients, appropriate assessment of compartment pressure, timing and technique of fasciotomy, fasciotomy wound management, and prevention of compartment syndrome in patients with limb injuries. The recommendations were largely consensus based in the absence of well-designed clinical trial evidence. Conclusions:, Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma have been developed that will support consistency in management and optimize patient health outcomes. [source]


    SURVEY OF MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE, TRAUMATIC COMPARTMENT SYNDROME OF THE LEG IN AUSTRALIA

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 9 2007
    Christopher J. Wall
    Background: Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency and is associated with significant morbidity if not diagnosed promptly and treated effectively. Despite the urgency of effective management to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes, there is currently little consensus in the published reports as to what constitutes best practice in the management of acute limb compartment syndrome. Methods: A structured survey was sent to all currently practising orthopaedic surgeons and accredited orthopaedic registrars in Australia to assess their current practice in the management of acute, traumatic compartment syndrome of the leg. Questions were related to key decision nodes in the management process, as identified in a literature review. These included identification of patients at high risk, diagnosis of the condition in alert and unconscious patients, optimal timeframe and technique for carrying out a fasciotomy and management of fasciotomy wounds. Results: A total of 264 valid responses were received, a response rate of 29% of all eligible respondents. The results indicated considerable variation in management of acute compartment syndrome of the leg, in particular in the utilization of compartment pressure measurement and the appropriate pressure threshold for fasciotomy. Of the 78% of respondents who regularly measured compartment pressure, 33% used an absolute pressure threshold, 28% used a differential pressure threshold and 39% took both into consideration. Conclusions: There is variation in the management of acute, traumatic compartment syndrome of the leg in Australia. The development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines may be beneficial. [source]


    DETERMINING NORMAL VALUES FOR INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 12 2006
    Joanne J. L. Chionh
    Background: Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements can be used for the early detection and management of the abdominal compartment syndrome. IAP values are widely thought to be atmospheric or subatmospheric. However, there are no reports that describe normal IAP values using urinary bladder pressure measurements in patients not suspected of having a raised IAP level. This study sought to determine these normal values to aid our interpretation of IAP measurements in post-surgical patients or patients with suspected increased IAP. Methods: Urinary bladder pressure measurements were carried out in 40 men and 18 women awake medical or non-abdominal surgery inpatients with existing indwelling catheters. Measurements were made in the supine, 30° and 45° sitting positions. Comparisons were carried out to determine the effects on urinary bladder pressure of body position, sex and a suspected diagnosis of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Results: Median values for IAP were higher if measured in a more upright position (P < 0.0001). Median values were supine, 9.5 cmH2O (range, 1,18 cmH2O); 30° upright, 11.5 cmH2O (range, 3,19 cmH2O); and at 45° upright, 14.0 cmH2O (range, 4,22 cmH2O). Measurements recorded were neither atmospheric nor subatmospheric. IAP was higher in men compared with women in the supine and 30° positions (P < 0.05) but not in the 45° position (P = 0.083). There was no significant difference between patients with and without suspected benign prostatic hypertrophy. Conclusions: Normal IAP using urinary bladder pressure in awake patients are above atmospheric pressure. As a patient is moved from the supine into the upright position, IAP measurements increase. [source]


    Acute anterior compartment syndrome following low energy non-contact injury

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2004
    Mario Rancan MD
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Prospective study of the incidence and outcome of intra-abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 5 2002
    Dr J. J. Hong
    Background: Intra-abdominal hypertension has been recognized as a source of morbidity and mortality in the traumatized patient following laparotomy. Multiple organ dysfunction attributable to intra-abdominal hypertension has been called the abdominal compartment syndrome. The epidemiology and characteristics of these processes remain poorly defined. Methods: Intra-abdominal pressure was measured prospectively in all patients admitted to a trauma intensive care unit over 9 months. Data were gathered on all patients with intra-abdominal hypertension. Results: Some 706 patients were evaluated. Fifteen (2 per cent) of 706 patients had intra-abdominal hypertension. Six of the 15 patients with intra-abdominal hypertension had abdominal compartment syndrome. Half of the patients with abdominal compartment syndrome died, as did two of the remaining nine patients with intra-abdominal hypertension. Patients with abdominal compartment syndrome had a mean intra-abdominal pressure of 42 mmHg compared with 26 mmHg in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension only (P < 0·05). Conclusion: The incidence of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome was 2 and 1 per cent respectively. Intra-abdominal hypertension did not necessarily lead to abdominal compartment syndrome, and often resolved without clinical sequelae. Abdominal compartment syndrome did not occur in the absence of earlier laparotomy. Abdominal compartment syndrome was associated with a marked increase in intra-abdominal pressure (above 40 mmHg). © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source]


    2423: Compartment syndrome in glaucoma damage, a new hypothesis?

    ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
    S ORGUL
    Purpose To evaluate the potential similarities in pathophysiology between non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods The currently accepted views of the pathophysiology of AION and general understanding of the clinical picture of this ischemic condition were reviewed. Based on the hypothesis of the group in Wisconsin, who postulated a compartment syndrome of the anterior optic nerve within the tight anatomical structures of the lamina cribrosa, parallels were drawn for glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and a new hypothesis for the pathogenesis of the latter condition was suggested. Results The tight structures around, but also within the "disk at risk" observed in a majority of patients with AION are well compatible with the hypothesis of a compartment syndrome. Similar conditions may result from the restructuring process within the lamina cribrosa in POAG and lead to locally limited, but repeated "AION-like" processes, explaining why some patients progress despite reduced intraocular pressure. Conclusion The pathophysiology of POAG, especially in advanced cases, and AION seem to present similarities, which need to be better understood. [source]


    Categorization of major and minor complications in the treatment of patients with resectable rectal cancer using short-term pre-operative radiotherapy and total mesorectal excision: a Delphi round

    COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 4 2006
    R. Bakx
    Abstract Background, To properly balance the benefit (reduction of local recurrence) of short-term pre-operative radiotherapy for resectable rectal cancer against its harm (complications), a consensus concerning the severity of complications is required. The aim of this study was to reach consensus regarding major and minor complications after short-term radiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision in the treatment of rectal carcinoma, using the Delphi technique. Methods, A Delphi round was performed in cooperation with 21 colo-rectal surgeons from the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Sweden. The key-question was: ,Which of the predefined complications, caused or substantially aggravated by radiotherapy, are so important (major) that they might lead to the decision to abandon short-term pre-operative radiotherapy (5 × 5Gy) when treating patients with resectable rectal cancer (T1,3N0,2M0)?' Results, After three rounds, consensus was reached for 37 (68%) of 54 complications of which 13 were considered major and 24 considered minor. The following complications were considered to be major: mortality, anastomotic leakage managed by relaparotomy, anastomotic leakage resulting in persisting fistula, postoperative haemorrhage managed by relaparotomy, intra-abdominal abscess without healing tendency, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, compartment syndrome of the lower legs, long-term incontinence for solid stool, long-term problems with voiding, pelvic fracture with persisting pain, and neuropathy with persisting pain (legs). Three of 17 complications without consensus showed a tendency to be considered as major: perineal wound dehiscence managed by surgical treatment, small bowel obstruction leading to relaparotomy and long-term incontinence for liquid stool. Conclusion, The 13 major and three ,accepted as major' complications can be used to properly balance the benefit and harm of short-term pre-operative radiotherapy in resectable rectal cancer. This may eventually lead to improved treatment strategies for these patients. [source]


    Orthopaedic surgery of haemophilia in the 21st century: an overview

    HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 3 2002
    E. C. RODRIGUEZ-MERCHAN
    Close co-operation between haematologists, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation physicians and physiotherapists is essential for obtaining satisfactory results after orthopaedic procedures that are performed on haemophilic patients. Although continuous prophylaxis could avoid the development of the orthopaedic complications of haemophilia that we still see in the 21st century, such a goal has not been achieved so far, not even in developed countries. Therefore, orthopaedic surgeons are still required to carry out many different surgical procedures, such as arthrocentesis, synoviorthesis, synovectomies, tendon lengthening, articular debridements, alignment osteotomies, joint arthroplasties, nerve releases, opening of compartment syndromes, removal of pseudotumours and osteosynthesis of fractures. Furthermore, the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus has meant that immunosuppressed patients in developed countries sometimes require an arthrotomy for the treatment of spontaneous septic arthritis, or the surgical drainage of a spontaneously infected haematoma (abscess). In addition, they have a high risk of postoperative infection after any surgical procedure, particularly a joint arthroplasty. [source]