Experience in the Surgical Management of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in the Hospital Occidente de Kennedy

The abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is the result of various physiological alterations produced by an abnormal increase of the intra-abdominal pressure. Some of these patients will undergo a surgical procedure for its management. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of 28 patients with ACS who required surgical treatment at the Hospital Occidente de Kennedy between 1999 and 2003. We assessed retrospectively the behavior of McNelis’s equation for prediction of the development of the ACS. Results: The leading cause of ACS in our study was intraabadominal infection (n=6 21,4%). Time elapsed between diagnosis and surgical decompression was less than 4 hours in 75% (n=21) of the cases. The variables that improved significantly after the surgical decompression were CVP (T: 4,0 p: 0,0001), PIM (T: 2,7; p: 0,004), PIA (T1,8; p:0,034) and Urine Output (T:-2,4; p:0,02). The values of BUN, Creatinine and the cardiovascular instability did not show improvement. The ICU and hospital length of stay were 11 days (SD: 9) and 18 days (SD13) respectively. Global mortality was 67,9% (n=19) and mortality directly attributable to the syndrome was 30% (n=8). The behavior of the McNelis’s equation was erratic. Conclusions: The demographic characteristics as well as disease processes associated with ACS are consistent with the literature. The association between physiological variables and ACS is heterogeneous between patients. Mortality rates attributable to ACS in our institution are within the range described world-wide. The behavior of the McNelis’s equation seems to depend greatly upon fluid balance.

Acute compartment syndrome complicating an intramuscular haemangiosarcoma in a dog

Acute compartment syndrome in dogs is a rare complication of muscle trauma, but it has not been previously reported as a consequence of neoplasia in dogs. This case report describes the occurrence of a compartment syndrome of the femoral compartment in an 11-year-old, male, mixed-breed dog caused by acute bleeding of an intramuscular haemangiosarcoma. The compartment syndrome was relieved by immediate fasciotomy. The dog was euthanased following acute recurrence of clinical signs seven weeks after surgery.

[MRI-based diagnosis of an acute bilateral compartment syndrome]

The acute compartment syndrome describes a posttraumatic or inflammatory edema, which leads to a painful constraint of muscular movement and paresthesia. An increase in pressure in the anatomical compartment is postulated. The main symptoms include local swelling, sensory loss, local muscle weakness as well as late livid discoloration. Therapy of choice is an early fasciotomy with decompression to avoid serious complications like muscle necrosis. Here we report a 22 year old patient who postoperatively suffered from a bilateral paresis of the foot jack. Further examinations by electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) led to the diagnosis of an acute bilateral compartment syndrome.

Clinical and functional outcomes of acute lower extremity compartment syndrome at a Major Trauma Hospital

Background: Acute lower extremity compartment syndrome (CS) is a condition that untreated causes irreversible nerve and muscle ischemia. Treatment by decompression fasciotomy without delay prevents permanent disability. The use of intracompartmental pressure (iCP) measurement in uncertain situations aids in diagnosis of severe leg pain. As an infrequent complication of lower extremity trauma, consequences of CS include chronic pain, nerve injury, and contractures. The purpose of this study was to observe the clinical and functional outcomes for patients with lower extremity CS after fasciotomy. Methods: Retrospective chart analysis for patients with a discharge diagnosis of CS was performed. Physical demographics, employment status, activity at time of injury, injury severity score, fracture types, pain scores, hours to fasciotomy, iCP, serum creatine kinase levels, wound treatment regimen, length of hospital stay, and discharge facility were collected. Lower extremity neurologic examination, pain scores, orthopedic complications, and employment status at 30 days and 12 months after discharge were noted. Results: One hundred twenty‑four patients were enrolled in this study. One hundred and eight patients were assessed at 12 months. Eighty‑one percent were male. Motorized vehicles caused 51% of injuries in males. Forty‑one percent of injuries were tibia fractures. Acute kidney injury occurred in 2.4%. Mean peak serum creatine kinase levels were 58,600 units/ml. Gauze dressing was used in 78.9% of nonfracture patients and negative pressure wound vacuum therapy in 78.2% of fracture patients. About 21.6% of patients with CS had prior surgery. Nearly 12.9% of patients required leg amputation. Around 81.8% of amputees were male. Sixty‑seven percent of amputees had associated vascular injuries. Foot numbness occurred in 20.5% of patients and drop foot palsy in 18.2%. Osteomyelitis developed in 10.2% of patients and fracture nonunion in 6.8%. About 14.7% of patients underwent further orthopedic surgery. At long‑term follow‑up, 10.2% of patients reported moderate lower extremity pain and 69.2% had returned to work. Conclusion: Escalation in leg pain and changes in sensation are the cardinal signs for CS rather than reliance on assessing for firm compartments and pressures. The severity of nerve injury worsens with the delay in performing fasciotomy. Standardized diagnostic protocols and wound treatment strategies will result in improved outcomes from this complication.

Evaluación de los factores de riesgo para el Síndrome de Compartimento Abdominal en el Hospital de Kennedy

Estudió descriptivo de una cohorte de pacientes con patologías y expuestos a los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de un Síndrome de Compartimiento Abdominal de Octubre de 2008 a Mayo de 2009 en el Hospital de Kennedy, en el que se observo que los grados tempranos de HIA tuvieron una mayor frecuencia.

La Presión Intra-abdominal Influye Sobre los Limites de la Presión de la Vía Aérea Durante la Ventilación Protectora Pulmonar

Background: The Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have a impact on the respiratory system and the recommendations for mechanical ventilation of patients with IAH/ACS remain unclear. Our study characterize the influence of elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on airway plateau pressure (PPLAT) and bladder pressure (PBLAD). Methods: Nine (n=9) deeply anesthetized swine were mechanically ventilated via tracheostomy: volume-controlled mode at tidal volume = 10 ml/kg, frequency=15, Inspiratory:Expiratory ratio=1:2 and PEEP of 1 and 10 cmH2O (PEEP1 and PEEP10, respectively). A tracheostomy tube was place in the peritoneal cavity and different levels of IAP were applied utilizing a CPAP system. Measurements were performed during both PEEP1 and PEEP10. Results: PBLAD increased as experimental IAP rose. Minimal underestimation of IAP by PBLAD was observed. Applying PEEP10 did not significantly affect the correlation between experimental IAP and PBLAD. PBLAD (in cmH2O) was reflected by changes in PPLAT regardless of the PEEP.

Anestesia regional y periférica guiada por ultrasonido en el paciente critico

El presente trabajo es un capítulo de libro titulado “Anestesia Regional y Periférica Guiada por Ultrasonido en el Paciente Crítico” que será incluido en la última edición del libro “Manual de Ultrasonido en Terapia Intensiva y Emergencias” cuyo editor es el Doctor José de Jesús Rincón Salas y que será publicado por la Editorial Prado de México para distribución latinoamericana desde dicho país. Por solicitud del editor y teniendo en cuenta el enfoque del libro, el presente trabajo está dirigido a estudiantes de formación, médicos graduados y especialistas en las áreas de cuidado intensivo, anestesiología, dolor, medicina interna y medicina de urgencias. Tiene como propósito empapar de conocimientos necesarios y prácticos en anestesia regional a personas que usualmente no han tenido contacto con la anestesia regional, pues desafortunadamente sólo en los últimos años ha sido posible que la anestesia regional haya comenzado a salir de las salas de cirugía, ámbito donde ha estado confinada tradicionalmente. El lenguaje utilizado es sencillo y el capítulo ha sido escrito para que sea fácil de leer y consultar, dejando así mensajes muy claros sobre la utilidad, viabilidad e implicaciones que tiene el uso de anestesia regional guiada por ultrasonido en cuidado intensivo. Los autores esperamos que de esta manera, el presente capítulo permita continuar superando los obstáculos que se interponen entre los invaluables beneficios de la anestesia regional y los pacientes de cuidado intensivo que necesitan de ella.

Alternative Intrabladder Manometry Technique for the Indirect Measurement of Intra-abdominal Pressure in Horses

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Use of gastric balloon manometry for estimation of intra-abdominal pressure in horses

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula

Purpose: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is one of the most devastating surgical complications that can occur in women. The primary cause remains an abdominal hysterectomy. Approach to this condition can be transvaginal or transabdominal. Laparoscopic repair of VVF may be an alternative approach to this treating rare condition. We present seven cases of VVF treated with transperitoneal laparoscopic technique and our results. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 7 women ranging from 37 to 74 years in age (mean age 52.8 years) at our institution who underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal repair of VVF between February 2004 and March 2006. Etiology of the VVF, surgical technique, operative time, length of hospital stay, and complications were reviewed. Results: Six of the seven VVFs we repaired laparoscopically resulted from gynecologic procedures, and one patient presented with a VVF after a ureterolithotripsy. Mean operative time ranged from 130 to 420 minutes (mean 280 minutes), and mean hospital stay was 7 days. In one patient conversion to open surgery was necessary due to prolonged operative time. Two complications occurred a urinary tract infection in one patient and an inferior limb compartment syndrome in another. Conclusion: Transvaginal laparoscopic repair of VVF is feasible and safe and provides excellent results. It is a good alternative to the abdominal approach. However, advanced laparoscopic skills are mandatory. © 2008 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Intra-abdominal hypertension in horses

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) may lead to a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome associated with significant dysfunction of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems of human patients. A recent prospective multicentre epidemiological investigation in man concluded that IAH was associated with an increased risk of mortality in critically ill patients. In this review, we present current information pertaining to the potential clinical importance of IAH in the context of equine clinical practice. In conclusion, consideration of intra-abdominal pressure should be a part of the clinical assessment of patient well-being in critically ill equine patients. © 2011 EVJ Ltd.

Análise da pressão intra-abdominal em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia abdominal oncológica internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

Pós-graduação em Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (Biotecnologia Médica) - FMB

Effects of different tidal volumes in pulmonary and extrapulmonary lung injury with or without intraabdominal hypertension

We hypothesized that: (1) intraabdominal hypertension increases pulmonary inflammatory and fibrogenic responses in acute lung injury (ALI); (2) in the presence of intraabdominal hypertension, higher tidal volume reduces lung damage in extrapulmonary ALI, but not in pulmonary ALI. Wistar rats were randomly allocated to receive Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide intratracheally (pulmonary ALI) or intraperitoneally (extrapulmonary ALI). After 24 h, animals were randomized into subgroups without or with intraabdominal hypertension (15 mmHg) and ventilated with positive end expiratory pressure = 5 cmH(2)O and tidal volume of 6 or 10 ml/kg during 1 h. Lung and chest wall mechanics, arterial blood gases, lung and distal organ histology, and interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, caspase-3 and type III procollagen (PCIII) mRNA expressions in lung tissue were analyzed. With intraabdominal hypertension, (1) chest-wall static elastance increased, and PCIII, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and caspase-3 expressions were more pronounced than in animals with normal intraabdominal pressure in both ALI groups; (2) in extrapulmonary ALI, higher tidal volume was associated with decreased atelectasis, and lower IL-6 and caspase-3 expressions; (3) in pulmonary ALI, higher tidal volume led to higher IL-6 expression; and (4) in pulmonary ALI, liver, kidney, and villi cell apoptosis was increased, but not affected by tidal volume. Intraabdominal hypertension increased inflammation and fibrogenesis in the lung independent of ALI etiology. In extrapulmonary ALI associated with intraabdominal hypertension, higher tidal volume improved lung morphometry with lower inflammation in lung tissue. Conversely, in pulmonary ALI associated with intraabdominal hypertension, higher tidal volume increased IL-6 expression.