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Introduction: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) poses a significant clinical challenge, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Conventional treatment via decompressive laparotomy with open abdomen and temporary closure presents significant drawbacks. This experimental study evaluates the efficacy of open minimally invasive sequential fasciotomy in managing simulated ACS in a porcine model., Methods: Ten adult pigs were included in this prospective experimental investigation, wherein a mechanical model of abdominal hypertension was induced by pneumoperitoneum via a Veres needle. Open minimally invasive sequential fasciotomy, involving bilateral external oblique muscles (EOMs) and linea alba (LA), was performed. Physiological parameters were recorded preprocedure and postprocedure., Results: In our study, 70% of pigs completed the fasciotomy sequence. Unilateral EOM fasciotomy significantly reduced intravesical pressure and femoral venous pressure by 18% and 16%, respectively. Bilateral EOM fasciotomies led to a 35.7% decrease in both parameters. Following re-establishment of intra-abdominal pressure to 20 mmHg, LA fasciotomy resulted in a 47% drop in intravesical pressure and femoral venous pressure. Significant increases in tidal volume and abdominal perimeter were observed after each fasciotomy., Conclusions: This study establishes that open minimally invasive sequential fasciotomy of bilateral EOM and LA is an effective strategy for managing simulated ACS in a porcine model. Each fasciotomy resulted in a significant reduction in intra-abdominal pressure. These findings suggest that sequential fasciotomy techniques offer a promising alternative to decompressive laparotomy in ACS management. Further research is essential to validate these outcomes in human subjects., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Achieving ideal abdominal wall reconstruction in giant ventral incisional hernia has been a challenging for surgeons. This study aimed to verify the safety and efficacy of bridging repair by comparing it with primary fascial closure (PFC) repair in the treatment of giant ventral incisional hernia. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 92 patients with giant ventral incisional hernia who underwent mesh repair at our medical institution from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the bridging repair group with 40 patients in whom repair was completed using the bridging technique and the PFC group with 52 patients in whom primary fascial closure was achieved and all patients underwent mesh reinforcement during the operation. The main outcome measures were recurrence rate and morbidity, especially intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Follow-up time of both groups lasted at least 24 months after surgery. After a median of 46 months and 65 months of follow-up, respectively, in the two groups, bridging repair did not increase the long-term recurrence rate (2.56%) in the larger defect area group compared to the PFC group (1.96%). There were no significant differences in perioperative morbidity, IAH, incidence of postoperative chronic pain, and sensory impairment of the abdominal wall between both groups. The application of bridging surgery in the treatment of complex giant ventral incisional hernias is safe and effective and does not significantly increase the postoperative recurrence rate., (© 2024. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).)

Background: Maintaining normal intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) levels must be one major outcome of any ventral hernia repair, avoiding hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome., Aims: To evaluate IAP during ventral hernia repair using Lázaro da Silva's procedure., Methods: IAP measurements using intravesical pressure were performed during four crucial intraoperative moments. Twenty-eight patients submitted to incisional herniorrhaphy were analyzed., Results: The IAP increased by 0.5 mmHg during the procedure, regardless of the type of prior laparotomy, sex, age, obesity, or hernia width., Conclusions: Despite the IAP increase observed, Lázaro da Silva's procedure did not result in intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome.

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., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a rare complication of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite being the treatment of choice for ACS, decompressive laparotomy (DL) has been a matter of debate in children supported with ECMO due to high bleeding risk and presumed futility. We report the first neonatal DL for ACS while on ECMO following congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair. Given its excellent outcomes, our case challenges current literature and supports prompt bedside laparotomy to treat ACS on neonatal ECMO., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

In experimental medicine, a wide variety of sensory measurements are used. One of these is real-time precision pressure measurement. For comparative studies of the complex pathophysiology and surgical management of abdominal compartment syndrome, a multichannel pressure measurement system is essential. An important aspect is that this multichannel pressure measurement system should be able to monitor the pressure conditions in different tissue layers, and compartments, under different settings. We created a 12-channel positive-negative sensor system for simultaneous detection of pressure conditions in the abdominal cavity, the intestines, and the circulatory system. The same pressure sensor was used with different measurement ranges. In this paper, we describe the device and major experiences, advantages, and disadvantages. The sensory systems are capable of real-time, variable frequency sampling and data collection. It is also important to note that the pressure measurement system should be able to measure pressure with high sensitivity, independently of the filling medium (gas, liquid). The multichannel pressure measurement system we developed was well suited for abdominal compartment syndrome experiments and provided data for optimizing the method of negative pressure wound management. The system is also suitable for direct blood pressure measurement, making it appropriate for use in additional experimental surgical models.

Traditional surgical treatment of widespread purulent peritonitis has some disadvantages that emphasizes the need for new approaches to postoperative care. The authors present successful treatment of diffuse purulent peritonitis using a combination of 'open abdomen' technology and VAC therapy. This approach reduces abdominal inflammation and intra-abdominal pressure. Combination of 'open abdomen' technology and VAC therapy provides effective control of inflammation and stabilization of patients with purulent peritonitis.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased over the course of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Intra-abdominal hypertension resulting in abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) during ECMO support is a rare but life-threatening complication, with previous case series describing mortality rates of 44%-100%. Bleeding complications, linked to both patient-related and device-related factors, also characterize prolonged ECMO support and have been reported in up to 60% of ECMO patients. We hereby describe a critically ill COVID-19 patient who underwent emergent bed-side decompressive laparotomy for acute ECMO failure related to the development of ACS. The discussion is focused on surgical considerations including the delicate balance between anticoagulation and thrombosis, as anticoagulation-free ECMO support may be required due to hemorrhagic complications., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: The open abdomen is an innovation that greatly improved surgical understanding of damage control, temporary abdominal closure, staged abdominal reconstruction, viscera and enteric fistula care, and abdominal wall reconstruction. This article provides an evidence-informed, expert, comprehensive narrative review of the open abdomen in trauma, acute care, and vascular and endovascular surgery., Methods: A group of 12 international trauma, acute care, and vascular and endovascular surgery experts were invited to review current literature and important concepts surrounding the open abdomen., Results: The open abdomen may be classified using validated systems developed by a working group in 2009 and modified by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome-The Abdominal Compartment Society in 2013. It may be indicated in major trauma, intra-abdominal sepsis, vascular surgical emergencies, and severe acute pancreatitis; to facilitate second look laparotomy or avoid or treat abdominal compartment syndrome; and when the abdominal wall cannot be safely closed. Temporary abdominal closure and staged abdominal reconstruction methods include a mesh/sheet, transabdominal wall dynamic fascial traction, negative pressure wound therapy, and hybrid negative pressure wound therapy and dynamic fascial traction. This last method likely has the highest primary fascial closure rates. Direct peritoneal resuscitation is currently an experimental strategy developed to improve primary fascial closure rates and reduce complications in those with an open abdomen. Primary fascial closure rates may be improved by early return to the operating room; limiting use of crystalloid fluids during the surgical interval; and preventing and/or treating intra-abdominal hypertension, enteric fistulae, and intra-abdominal collections after surgery. The majority of failures of primary fascial closure and enteroatmospheric fistula formation may be prevented using effective temporary abdominal closure techniques, providing appropriate resuscitation fluids and nutritional support, and closing the abdomen as early as possible., Conclusion: Subsequent stages of the innovation of the open abdomen will likely involve the design and conduct of prospective studies to evaluate appropriate indications for its use and effectiveness and safety of the above components of open abdomen management., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.)

Background: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a classical complication after giant ventral hernia surgery and may lead to abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Assessment of risk factors and prevention of IAH/ACS are essential for hernia surgeons., Methods: We performed a retrospective study including 58 giant ventral hernia patients in our center between Jan 1, 2017, and Mar 1, 2022, we recorded age, gender, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypoproteinemia, body mass index (BMI), the ratio of hernia sac volume to abdominal cavity volume (HSV/ACV), defect width, tension reduction procedure (TRP), positive fluid balance (PFB) and IAH of these patients and analyzed the data using univariate and multivariate logistic regression to screen the risk factors for IAH after surgery., Results: The multivariate analysis showed that HSV/ACV ≥ 25%, hypoproteinemia, and PFB were independent risk factors for the occurrence of IAH after giant ventral hernia repair (P = 0.025, 0.016, 0.017, respectively). We did not find any correlation between postoperative IAH and the patient's age, gender, COPD, CHD, hypertension, T2DM, BMI, defect width, TRP, and PFB., Conclusion: Identifying risk factors is of great significance for the early identification and prevention of IAH/ACS. We found that HSV/ACV ≥ 25%, hypoproteinemia, and PFB were independent risk factors for IAH after giant ventral hernia repair., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature.)

Pneumoperitoneum is the presence of free air within the peritoneal cavity and indicates perforation of a hollow viscus. However, it may also occur in the absence of perforation and in this case, it is called spontaneous pneumoperitoneum (SP). A 57-year-old female patient who was intubated and mechanically ventilated due to respiratory failure developed abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) secondary to massive SP. Peritoneal lavage was performed for the patient both to achieve decompression and to support the diagnosis. Many surgeons proceed with laparotomy as a reflex response for SP due to lack of awareness of the condition. However, laparotomy has no place in this setting. SP coexisting with ACS is extremely rare. With this case report, we aimed to raise awareness of SP among physicians and help avoid unnecessary laparotomies.

Background/purpose: Decompressive laparotomy and open abdomen for abdominal compartment syndrome have been historically avoided during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) due to seemingly elevated risks of bleeding and infection. Our goal was to evaluate a cohort of pediatric respiratory ECMO patients who underwent decompressive laparotomy with open abdomen at a single institution and to compare these patients to ECMO patients without open abdomen., Methods: We reviewed all pediatric respiratory ECMO (30 days-18 years) patients treated with decompressive laparotomy with open abdomen at Riley Hospital for Children (1/2000-12/2019) and compared these patients to concurrent respiratory ECMO patients with closed abdomen. We excluded patients with surgical cardiac disease. We assessed demographics, ECMO data, and outcomes and defined significance as p = 0.05., Results: 6 of 81 ECMO patients were treated with decompressive laparotomy and open abdomen. Open and closed abdomen groups had similar age (p = 0.223) and weight (0.286) at cannulation, but the open abdomen group had a higher reliance on vasoactive medications (Vasoactive Inotropic Score, p = 0.040). Open abdomen group survival was similar to closed abdomen patients (66.7%, vs 62.7%, p = 1). Open abdomen patients had lower incidence of ECMO complications (33.3% vs 83.6%, p = 0.014), but the groups had similar bleeding complications (p = 0.412) and PRBC transfusion volume (p = 0.941)., Conclusion/impact: Pediatric ECMO patients with open abdomen after decompressive laparotomy had similar survival, blood products administered, and complications as those with a closed abdomen. An open abdomen is not a contra-indication to ECMO support in pediatric respiratory patients and should be considered in select patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACoS) is a devastating complication after endovascular aneurysm repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rEVAR). This study sought to develop a risk score for ACoS to identify patients who would benefit from early decompressive laparotomy., Methods: Model derivation was performed with Vascular Quality Initiative data for rEVAR from 2013 to 2020. The primary outcome was evacuation of abdominal hematoma. A multivariable logistic regression was used to create and validate a scoring system to predict ACoS. The model was validated using institutional data for rEVAR from 1998 to 2019., Results: The derivation cohort included 2,310 patients with rEVAR. Abdominal hematoma evacuation occurred in 265 patients (11.5%). Factors associated with abdominal hematoma evacuation on a multivariable analysis included transfer from an outside hospital, preoperative creatinine ≥1.4 mg/dL, preoperative systolic blood pressure ≤85 mmHg, preoperative altered mental status, ≥3.0 liters intraoperative crystalloid, and ≥4 units of red blood cells transfused intraoperatively. The validation cohort consisted of 67 rEVAR; ACoS occurred in 8 patients (11.9%). The c-statistic was 0.84 in the derivation and 0.87 in the validation cohort, whereas Hosmer-Lemeshow was P = 0.15 in the derivation and 0.84 in the validation cohorts, suggesting good model discrimination and calibration. Points were applied based on β-coefficients to produce a risk score ranging from -1 to 13. A cutoff of risk score ≥8 resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 83.1% for detecting patients with ACoS, respectively. ACoS conveyed a significantly higher mortality in both the derivation (ACoS: 49.8% vs. No ACoS: 17.8%; P < 0.001) and validation cohorts (ACoS: 75.0% vs. No ACoS: 15.2%; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: In patients with equivocal signs/symptoms of ACoS, this scoring system can be used to guide surgeons on when to perform decompressive laparotomy prior to leaving the operating room for rEVAR. Patients with a risk score ≥8 would benefit from decompressive laparotomy at index rEVAR., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) remained a dramatic complication leading to death or neonatal morbidities in preterms. For some, Intra-Abdominal Hypertension (IAH) and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome worsened the multi-organ failure. An open abdomen surgery could be an alternative to conventional surgical treatment to move beyond this stage., Objectives: To retrospectively describe the clinical course, pre- and post-operative features of preterms suffering from severe NEC with IAH treated by open abdomen surgery and referred to our center from October 2007 to September 2019. Our secondary objective is to identify various risk factors for mortality in this population., Methods: Data on neonatal, clinical, biological, pre and post-operative features and outcome were collected. Univariate analyses were performed to compare their pre and post-operative features stratifying on outcome., Results: Among 29 included patients, 14 (48%) survived to discharge without short bowel syndrome. Death was associated with an earlier postnatal age at NEC (16.3 ± 9.1 versus 31.3 ± 25.9 days; p = 0.004) and followed a withdrawal of treatment in 60% of cases. Surgery was associated with a significant improvement of respiratory and hemodynamic features (decrease of mean ventilator pressure from 13.1 ± 5.4 to 11.3 ± 4.0 cmH2O, p < 0.001), oxygen requirement (mean FiO2 decreased from 65.0% ± 31.2 to 49.0% ± 24.6, p < 0.001) and inotropic score (from 38.6 ± 70.1 to 29.9 ± 64.3, p < 0.001). In the survival group, pre and post-operative findings exhibited a significant increase of serum lactate concentrations from 2.7 ± 1.6 to 11.0 ± 20.3 mmol/L (p = 0.02) but a similar pH., Conclusion: Open abdomen surgery could be considered to rescue preterms with near fatal NEC. IAH and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in these preterms should be investigated through further studies., Level of Evidence: Level III., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest to disclose, (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 41-year-old male farmer was injured in a land mine explosion. After initial resuscitation, the emergency physician coordinated with the hospital and air medical crew for the patient's evacuation. The evacuation was started by a Bell 214C helicopter, and the patient's clinical condition deteriorated during flight with increased abdominal pain and distension, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and loss of consciousness. Intra-abdominal (vesical) pressure of 23 mm Hg, findings of in-flight bedside ultrasound, and echocardiography indicated intra-abdominal hypertension with abdominal compartment syndrome. The emergency physician started medical management quickly based on the World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, but after 15 minutes the intra-abdominal pressure was still > 20 mm Hg. Despite the in-flight difficult condition, the risk of vascular or neural damages, and infection, the emergency physician performed a midline decompression laparotomy and, when the intra-abdominal pressure reached about 11 mm Hg, temporarily covered the wound with a Bogota bag. After the patient's intra-abdominal pressure stabilized, permanent abdominal wound repair was performed by the surgeon, and he was discharged from the hospital., (Copyright © 2021 Air Medical Journal Associates. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim: To improve the results of treatment of patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis., Patients and Methods: Materials and methods: The materials of the work are based on the clinical examination and treatment of 301 patients with acute pancreatitis, in the treatment of which, along with classical treatment, a therapeutic and diagnostic complex was used, which allows predicting and preventing the development of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS)., Results: Results: Managed to reduce the number of cases of infected pancreatic necrosis, effectively predict and prevent the development of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), reduce the average length of stay of patients in the hospital., Conclusion: Conclusions: The use of the proposed management algorithm for patients with acute pancreatitis allows to shorten the treatment period by effectively predicting and preventing the development of pancreatic necrosis, its septic complications and abdominal compartment syndrome.

Objective: Acute pancreatitis can usually recover after conservative treatment. Five to 10 percent of acute pancreatitis may proceed into peripancreatic fluid collection and necrosis development, called necrotizing pancreatitis (NP), which has a high mortality rate. If it is accompanied by the occurrence of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and does not respond to medical therapy, surgical intervention is indicated., Methods: We analyzed our experience of surgical intervention strategies for NP patients with medically irreversible ACS from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2018., Results: Of the 47 NP patients with ACS, mean Ranson score was 6.5, mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 22.2, and Modified computed tomography severity index score was all 8 or greater. The mean total postoperative hospital length of stay was 80.2 days, of which the mean intensive care unit length of stay was 16.6 days. The overall complication rate was 31.9%. The mortality rate was 8.5%. Among the 47 patients, only fungemia was significantly associated with mortality incidence., Conclusions: The combination of multiple drainage tube placement, feeding jejunostomy, and ileostomy at the same time were effective surgical intervention strategies for NP patients with ACS, which brought a lower mortality rate., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. This study was sponsored by grants from Ten-Chan General Hospital Zhongli, Taipei Veterans General Hospital (V108C-044, V109C-130, V108B-002, V109C-131), the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST 107-2314-B-010-056-MY3, MOST 108-2314-B-010-053), and Taiwan Association of Cardiovascular Surgery Research. We declare that the sponsors of the study and the authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The funding sources had no role in the study design, data collection, data interpretation, data analysis, or writing of the report., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), defined by the presence of increased intra-abdominal pressure>20mmHg in association with failure of at least one organ system, is a common and feared complication that may occur in the early phase of severe acute pancreatitis (AP). This complication can lead to patient death in the very short term. The goal of this review is to provide the surgeon and intensivist with objective information to help them in their decision-making. In the early phase of severe AP, it is essential to monitor intra-vesical pressure (iVP) to allow early diagnosis of intra-abdominal hypertension or ACS. The treatment of ACS is both medical and surgical requiring close collaboration between the surgical and resuscitation teams. Medical treatment includes vascular volume repletion, prokinetic agents, effective curarization and percutaneous drainage of large-volume ascites. If uncontrolled respiratory or cardiac failure develops or if maximum medical treatment fails, most teams favor performing an emergency xipho-pubic decompression laparotomy with laparostomy. This procedure follows the principles of abbreviated laparotomy as described for abdominal trauma., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The management of open abdomen with enteroatmospheric fistula is a real nightmare for surgeons; negative pressure with fluid instillation is affordable and effective. After improvement of general conditions, a good strategy for promoting tissue granulation around the fistula could be the application of a matrix wound dressing., Materials and Methods: A 45-year-old man was admitted to our Emergency Department for abdominal compartment syndrome following a previous intervention for bowel occlusion; at exploration we found a frozen abdomen that was managed by negative pressure wound therapy with fluid instillation (AbThera  device, VAC Instill , 3M+KCI). The condition was complicated by an enteroatmospheric fistula that we managed by negative pressure and fistula diversion according to "Baby Bottle Nipple VAC technique". After improvement of general and local conditions, in order to obtain a faster reepithalization around the stoma, we decided to apply a dermal substitute (Integra  Bilayer Wound Matrix, LifeSciences Corporation)., Results: We obtained a good reeepithalization and five months after admittance the patient was dismissed in a good health with a stoma bag applied on the fistula. Six month lather bowel continuity was restored., Conclusions: The role of negative pressure with instillation in the management of open abdomen is defined; it allows to preserve healthy bowel integrity and to improve septic environment control. If an enteroatmospheric fistula is present, the application of a dermal substitute can be a good strategy for promoting tissue granulation around the fistula, thus allowing the application of a stoma bag and a faster regain of the upright position., Key Words: Dermal Substitute, Enteroatmospheric fistula, Negative pressure Wound therapy, Open abdomen.

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is an infrequently encountered life-threatening disorder characterised by elevated abdominal pressure with evidence of new organ dysfunction. It is rarely reported in paediatrics. We describe an extremely unusual presentation of a 13-year-old boy with long-standing constipation who developed ACS complicated by refractory septic shock and multiorgan failure. He was treated with emergent decompressive laparotomy and supportive critical care. This case highlights the need for early diagnosis and timely management of ACS to improve its outcome., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Prevalence of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is estimated to be 4%-17% in severely burned patients. Although decompressive laparotomy can be lifesaving for ACS patients, severe complications are associated with this technique, especially in burn populations. This study outlines a new technique of releasing intraabdominal pressure without resorting to decompressive laparotomy., Materials and Methods: Ten fresh tissue cadavers were studied; none of whom had had prior abdominal surgery. Using Veress needles, abdomens were insufflated to 30 mm Hg and subsequently connected to arterial pressure transducers. Two techniques were then used to incise fascia. First, large skin flaps were raised from a midline incision (n = 5). Second, small 2 cm cutdowns at the proximal and distal extent of midaxillary, subcostal, and inguinal incisional sites were made, followed by tunneling a subfascial plane using an aortic clamp with fascial incisions made through the grooves of a tunneled vein stripper (n = 5). Pressures were recorded in the sequence of incisions mentioned previously., Results: The open midline flap technique decreased abdominal pressure from a mean pressure of 30 ± 1.8 mm Hg to 6.9 ± 5.0 mm Hg (P < 0.01). The minimally invasive technique decreased intraabdominal pressure from 30 ± 0.9 to 5.8 ± 5.2 mm Hg (P < 0.01). This technique significantly reduced intraabdominal pressure via extraperitoneal component separation and fascial release at the midaxillary, subxiphoid, and inguinal regions., Conclusions: This technique offers the benefit of reducing the morbidity, mortality, and complications associated with an open abdomen, which may be beneficial in the burn injury population., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The open abdomen (OA) is an established concept for treating severe abdominal diseases. The most frequent reasons for placement of an open abdomen are abdominal sepsis (e.g. from intestinal perforation or anastomotic leakage), severe abdominal organ injury and abdominal compartment syndrome. The pathophysiology is much more complex than the surgeon's eye can see in an OA. The temporary closure of the abdominal wall ensures sufficient drainage of infected ascites, protection of the intestinal loops and conditioning of the abdominal wall in order to be able carry out definitive closure of the abdominal wall at the end of the surgical treatment. Negative peritoneal pressure therapy combined with fascia traction (with or without mesh) is well-established in the management of an open abdomen.

A premature infant with abdominal compartment syndrome underwent cardiopulmonary arrest before receiving decompressive laparotomy, and the effect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was poor. The abdomen was punctured with an 18-gauge needle, alleviating the distension and resulting in successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Patients supported with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. Flow through the return cannula may be compromised in these patients, resulting in inadequate support and end-organ malperfusion. Early decompressive laparotomy can mitigate these complications and potentially improve outcomes. Here we review a series of nine patients undergoing early decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome at a single institution and propose an algorithmic approach to the management of these patients.

Introduction: Management of the open abdomen (OA) has rapidly evolved over the last several decades due to the improved understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of patients with an OA, adoption of damage control surgery, and the use of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) techniques for this patient population. The TAC utilizing negative pressure has been successful for managing patients with an OA with improved time to closure. Recent studies have started to examine the use of TAC in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) for the management of the OA., Objective: This case series illustrates the capability, safety, and clinical effectiveness of TAC/NPWTi-d with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solution., Materials and Methods: Three successfully treated cases describe the use of NPWTi-d using HOCl solution for the management of patients with a septic OA., Results: This initial experience suggests instillation of HOCl through the tubing set, in conjunction with the TAC device, is safe and easy to use. This technique decreased the need for more frequent OA lavages in the operating room (OR) after the index procedure, as well as the associated concomitant risks of transporting patients who are critically ill between the SICU and OR. No acute complications related to the TAC device with HOCl were noted., Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the authors believe instillation through the TAC device may be the next evolution in the use of abdominal NPWT and programmed intermittent lavage of the peritoneal cavity represents an effective method in the care of patients with a septic OA.

Purpose: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in children results in 100% mortality if left untreated. Decompressive laparotomy (DL) is the only effective treatment if conservative medical therapies have failed. This study aims to determine the incidence of ACS among pediatric patients who underwent an emergency laparotomy (EL), to describe the effect of DL on clinical and laboratory parameters and, to make a better prediction on fatal outcome, to analyze variables and their association with mortality., Methods: This retrospective study includes 418 children up to the age of 16 years who underwent EL between January 2010 and December 2018 at our tertiary pediatric referral center. ACS was defined according to the latest guidelines of the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome., Results: Fourteen patients had emergency DL for ACS. 6 h preoperatively; median intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) were 22.5 mmHg and 29 mmHg, respectively. After DL, IAP decreased and APP increased, both by an average of 60%. Six patients survived, eight patients had a fatal outcome, resulting in a mortality of 57%. An age under 1 year, weight under the 3rd percentile, an open abdomen treatment, an intestinal resection and an elevated serum lactate > 1.8 mmol/L were associated with an increased relative risk of death., Conclusions: Improving the outcome in pediatric patients with ACS by removing or attenuating risk factors is difficult. This emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and prompt DL once the diagnosis of ACS is made.

Background: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a clinical condition caused by an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The incidence is variable, based on the type of patients taken into consideration, increasing exponentially in critical conditions, such as traumatized, burned patients in shock. The syndrome can also follow surgical procedures like transplantation of abdominal organs, for example configuring rare pictures such as RACS (post-transplant kidney syndrome). In most cases the symptoms are non-specific and varied according to the different etiology of the ACS, therefore the diagnosis may not be immediate., Aim: The aim of this work is to evaluate the best therapeutic approach based on the evidence in the literature., Results: An early diagnosis, which can also identify the stages of intra-abdominal hypertension, is necessary to ensure the survival of the patient, implementing an integrated multidisciplinary treatment, expecially in the early stages of the development of the ACS., Conclusions: The definitive treatment is surgical and is based on the decompression of the abdomen.

Background: The open abdomen is a surgical technique used in the treatment of patients with abdominal sepsis, abdominal trauma and abdominal hypertension syndrome., Objective: The aim was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a new surgical technique designed for the management and closure of the abdominal wall in patients with open abdomen., Method: Study of all patients treated with open abdomen in our Hospital over a five-year period., Results: It were included 24 patients, 18 men and 6 women. The average age was 41.5 ± 15.9 years. Operative diagnosis was abdominal compartment syndrome in 7 (29%) cases, abdominal sepsis in 9 (38%), and abdominal trauma in 8 (33%). The median of APACHE II score was 8 points (range: 5-21) while the assessment of SIRS score had a median of 2 points (range: 1-4). The median of surgical procedures performed in operating room was two per patient. The median of fascial surgical closures performed in the patient bed was four. A successful closure of the abdominal wall was performed in 21 of 22 live patients (95%)., Conclusions: The sequential closure of the abdominal wall is an effective technique that offers an alternative to the management of the open abdomen., (Copyright: © 2020 Permanyer.)

The global epidemiologic burden of sepsis is difficult to ascertain. Sepsis affects more than 31.5 million people worldwide every year, potentially resulting in 5 million deaths. Up to one-third of patients with sepsis also develop sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. This article describes the need for restraint in fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis, in order to mitigate end-organ damage and ultimately to save lives.

Objectives: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a serious complication after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The aim was to investigate outcome among subgroups and factors associated with outcome, with emphasis on the duration of intra-abdominal hypertension before treatment., Methods: Since 2008, ACS and decompressive laparotomy (DL) after AAA repair are registered prospectively in the Swedish vascular registry (Swedvasc). Registry data and case records were reviewed. Subgroups were defined by main pathophysiological finding at DL, timing of DL after AAA repair, and treatment modality., Results: During 2008-2015, 120 of 8765 patients undergoing surgery for infrarenal AAA developed post-operative ACS (1.4%). Eighty-three followed ruptured AAA (rAAA); 45 open surgical repairs (OSR) and 38 endovascular (EVAR), and thirty-seven after intact AAA (iAAA); 30 OSR and seven EVAR. The main pathophysiological findings at DL were bowel ischaemia in 27 (23.3%), post-operative bleeding in 34 (29.3%), and general oedema in 55 (47.4%). DL was performed <24 hours after AAA repair in 56 (48.7%), 24-48 hours in 30 (26.1%), and >48 hours in 29 patients (25.2%). The overall 90 day mortality was 50.0%, neither different depending on main pathophysiological finding, nor on the timing of DL. In multivariable regression analysis, age was a predictor of mortality (p = .017), while duration of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) prior to DL predicted the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) (p = .033). DL was performed earlier after EVAR compared with OSR in rAAA (p < .001)., Conclusions: Mortality in ACS was high, irrespective of the main pathophysiological finding and timing of DL. The duration of IAH prior to DL predicted the need for RRT. DL was performed earlier after EVAR than after OSR for rAAA, underlining the importance of monitoring IAP after EVAR for rAAA., (Copyright © 2019 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Spontaneous hepatic rupture is an uncommon cause of haemorrhagic shock and very rarely happens due to amyloidosis. This report describes one such case in which a middle-aged man presented in extremis. He was managed initially with massive transfusion, interventional radiology embolisation and decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. Subsequent coagulopathy was treated with activated factor VII due to deficient native activity. Serum protein electrophoresis and liver biopsy during his hospital course yielded a diagnosis of amyloidosis, which was treated palliatively with steroids and bortezomib. Despite supportive care, he died 10 days after presentation. This case illustrates the importance of considering an uncommon pathology when a patient presents with a condition in an uncommon way., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is an uncommon complication of severe pancreatitis. It is defined as a sustained intraabdominal pressure (IAP) > 20 mmHg (with or without an abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) < 60 mmHg), associated with new organ dysfunction/failure. ACS confers a poor prognosis and should be promptly diagnosed and managed. However, it is often missed on clinical examination, leading to a delay of diagnosis., Case Presentation: A 38-year old Sri Lankan man presented with severe alcohol-induced pancreatitis associated with abdominal compartment syndrome. Diagnosis was delayed due to false reassurance from clinical examination. The patient was managed with a decompressive laparotomy, after which he required treatment with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and broad-spectrum antibiotics for a prolonged period of time. Despite significant post-operative multi-organ failure, the patient survived., Conclusions: Early trans-bladder measurement of IAP is important for severe pancreatitis. Serial measurements of IAP should be implemented early when any known risk factor for ACS is present in a critically ill patient.

Background: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is associated with mortality in patients with critical illness such as severe acute pancreatitis, but it remains unclear whether decompressive laparotomy for ACS can improve the prognosis of patients., Case Presentation: A woman in her 60s visited our hospital because of upper abdominal pain. On the basis of her laboratory data and abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings, acute gallstone pancreatitis was diagnosed. She underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy for the removal of the common bile duct stone. Then, a drainage tube was placed in the bile duct. However, on the 5th hospital day, her intra-abdominal pressure increased to 22 mmHg and renal dysfunction was observed, which led to the diagnosis of ACS. As intensive medical treatments did not improve her ACS, she underwent decompressive laparotomy on the 9th hospital day. Postoperatively, her laboratory data and intravesical pressure improved, and she was discharged from the hospital after abdominal closure, continuous drainage, and antibiotic therapy., Conclusion: As the effectiveness of decompressive laparotomy for ACS has not been established, this treatment indication remains controversial. Decompressive laparotomy is considered useful for the management of ACS, if it is performed at an appropriate time, as in the present case.

Purpose: To compare the utility of abdominopelvic fluid volume measurements with established computed tomography signs for refractory post-traumatic abdominal compartment syndrome., Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study included 64 consecutive adult trauma patients with preoperative CT and diagnosis of refractory abdominal compartment syndrome requiring decompressive laparotomy at a level I trauma referral center between 2004 and 2014. We hypothesized that abdominal fluid volume measurements would be more predictive of the need for early laparotomy than previously described conventional CT signs of refractory ACS. Abdominopelvic fluid volumes were determined quantitatively using semi-automated segmentation software. The following conventional imaging parameters were recorded: abdominal anteroposterior:transverse ratio (round belly sign); infrahepatic vena cava diameter; distal abdominal aortic diameter; largest single small bowel wall diameter; hydronephrosis, inguinal herniation; and mesenteric and body wall edema. For outcome analysis, patients were stratified into two groups: those who underwent early (< 24 h) and late (≥ 24 h) decompressive laparotomy following CT. Correlation analysis, comparison of means, and multivariate logistic regression were performed., Results: Abdominal fluid volumes (p = 0.001) and anteroposterior:transverse ratio (p = 0.009) were increased and inferior vena cava diameter (p = 0.009) was decreased in the early decompressive laparotomy group. Multivariate analysis including conventional CT variables, fluid volumes, and laboratory values revealed abdominal fluid volumes (p = 0.012; Δ in log odds of 1.002/mL) as the only independent predictor of early decompressive laparotomy., Conclusions: Segmented abdominopelvic free fluid volumes had greater predictive utility for decision to perform early decompressive laparotomy than previously described ACS-related CT signs in trauma patients who developed refractory abdominal compartment syndrome.

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.

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is a physiological parameter that has gained considerable attention during the last few decades. The incidence of complications arising from increased IAP, known as intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) or abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill patients, is high and its impact is significant. The effects of IAP in neurological conditions and during surgical procedures are largely unexplored. IAP also appears to be relevant during neurosurgical procedures (spine and brain) in the prone position, and in selected cases, IAH may affect cerebrospinal fluid drainage after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation. Furthermore, raised IAP is one of the contributors to intracranial hypertension in patients with morbid obesity. In traumatic brain injury, case reports described how abdominal decompression lowers intracerebral pressure. The anatomical substrate for transmission of the IAP to the brain and venous system of the spine is the extradural neural axis compartment; the first reports of this phenomenon can be found in anatomical studies of the sixteenth century. In this review, we summarize the available knowledge on how IAP impacts the cerebrospinal venous system and the jugular venous system via two pathways, and we discuss the implications for neurosurgical procedures as well as the relevance of IAH in neurological disorders.

Intra-abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome are well-known, serious, life-threatening clinical entities in acute care surgery. A common characteristic of these syndromes is the permanent and irreversible damage that may affect the organs which can be found inside the given compartment if quick intervention cannot be provided. All factors which may and can lead to a sudden increase in the intra-abdominal pressure can be found among the triggering factors of abdominal compartment syndrome. Despite the modern and quick diagnostics, and the adequate surgical interventions performed in time, the mortality of this syndrome is extremely high (38-71%). It affects practically all vital organ systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and central nervous system. There are four major compartments in the human body: the head, the chest, the abdomen and the extremities. When two or more compartments have elevated pressures the name of the clinical entity is polycompartment syndrome, first described in 2007. The only possible way of establishing the diagnosis is to measure the intra-abdominal pressure, a widespread manner of which is the measurement through the bladder. Treatment of abdominal and polycompartment syndrome is nearly always surgical decompression with temporary abdominal wall closure or open abdominal treatment. Clinicians need to be aware of the real existence of polycompartment syndrome and the complex and constant interplay of raised pressure between compartments. This highlights the importance of research and development of new intra-abdominal pressure measurement techniques.

The long-term history of studying of a problem of acute pancreatitis in its different aspects, is fight against a pancreatic necrosis and a pancreatic infection. Technology progress in improvement of diagnostic methods and treatment of a pancreatic necrosis and its complications, changed a situation, but treatment of such patients remains the most difficult task for the doctors dealing with pancreatitis issues. The main factor of risk at a pancreatic necrosis are: gland necrosis volume, the severity of enzymatic endo intoxication, degree of intraabdominal hypertension, a translocation of microbes from intestines in the blood circulation and an abdominal cavity. The Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS), at a pancreatic necrosis is connected with presence of multiorgan insufficiency, caused by intraabdominal hypertension. Definition of indications of a fasciotomy in the complex treatment of the adominal compartment for pancreatic necrosis was our research objective. Management of intraabdominal hypertension and ACS consists of a maintenance therapy and if necessary, an abdominal decompression which is considered one of treatment methods. The difficulty of a decompression of an abdominal cavity at ACS which arose on the background of a pancreatic necrosis is that laparotomy in the first phase of its treatment is extremely undesirable and even harmful manipulation which is related to infecting necrotic zones that considerably aggravates the prognosis. These requirements are met by a fasciotomy i.e. broad section of an aponeurosis on the white line of a stomach. The volume of an abdominal cavity at this manipulation increases at the expense of a diastasis of rectus muscle and stretching of skin and peritoneum, while the abdominal cavity hermetism is maintained. We have performed subcutaneous fasciotomy in 4 patients for ACS treatment. The fasciotomy is a targeted mini invasive method for the complex treatment of pancreatic necrosis. Performing fasciotomy and use of a modern complex of an intensive care will allow to achieve improvement of results in the treatment of patients with pancreatic necrosis, without performance of traumatic laparotomy and a laparastomy.

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.

A 31-year-old male patient with chronic constipation of unknown aetiology presented emergently with worsening nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension of one week duration. On examination, his abdomen was distended with minimal tenderness. A plain film of the abdomen demonstrated severe faecal loading. The patient was haemodynamically unstable on admission and appeared sick. An urgent CT abdomen and pelvis was conducted showing extensive rectal dilatation and associated proximal colonic stercoral perforation. The patient proceeded straight to theatre for laparotomy as his general condition was deteriorating rapidly. On transfer to the operating table, the patient suffered cardiopulmonary arrest. Resuscitation was immediately commenced. Abdominal compartment syndrome was suspected. Cardiac output was re-established following a midline laparotomy which acted relieve the abdominal pressure. The rectosigmoid faecal content was decompressed via an enterotomy. The perforated segment of transverse colon was resected and an end colostomy fashioned. A year later, the continuity of the bowel was re-established., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2018. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Open abdomen has been an effective treatment for abdominal catastrophes in trauma and general surgery, is one of the greatest advances in recent decades and has become a common procedure in both trauma and general surgery. Temporary abdominal closure techniques in managing open abdomen help to achieve many benefits without incurring many complications. We present a series of patients in which a temporary abdominal closure technique was used that generates continuous medial fascial traction dynamic in patients with open abdomen for different causes.

Background: Decompressive laparotomy has been advised as potential treatment for abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) when medical management fails; yet, the effect on parameters of organ function differs markedly in the published literature. In this study, we sought to investigate the effect of decompressive laparotomy on intra-abdominal pressure and organ function in critically ill adult and pediatric patients with ACS, specifically focusing on hemodynamic, respiratory, and kidney function and outcome., Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed. Articles reporting data on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), hemodynamic (mean arterial pressures [MAP], central venous pressure [CVP], cardiac index [CI], heart rate [HR], systemic vascular resistance index [SVRI] and/or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP]), respiratory (positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP], peak inspiratory pressure [PIP] and/or ratio of partial pressure arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen [P/F ratio]), and/or urinary output (UO) following decompressive laparotomy were analyzed., Results: A total of 15 articles were included; 3 included children only (aged 18 years or younger). Of the 286 patients who were included, 49.7% had primary ACS. The baseline mean IAP in adults decreased with an average of 18.2 ± 6.5 mmHg following decompression, from 31.7 ± 6.4 mmHg to 13.5 ± 3.0 mmHg. There was a decrease in HR (12.2 ± 9.5 beats/min; p = 0.04), CVP (4.6 ± 2.3 mmHg; p = 0.022), PCWP (5.8 ± 2.3 mmHg; p = 0.029), and PIP (10.1 ± 3.9 cmH 2 O; p < 0.001) and a mean increase in P/F ratio (70.4 ± 49.4; p < 0.001) and UO (95.3 ± 105.3 ml/h; p < 0.001). In children, there was a significant increase in MAP (20.0 ± 2.3 mmHg; p = 0.006), P/F ratio (238.2; p < 0.001), and UO (2.88 ± 0.64 ml/kg/h; p < 0.001) and a decrease in CVP (7 mmHg; p = 0.016) and PIP (9.9 cmH 2 O; p = 0.002). The overall mortality rate was 49.7% in adults and 60.8% in children following decompressive laparotomy., Conclusions: Decompressive laparotomy resulted in a significantly lower IAP and had beneficial effects on hemodynamic, respiratory, and renal parameters. Mortality after decompressive laparotomy remains high in both adults and children.

The objective of this study was to report the case and multidisciplinary management of a 44-year-old man with 40% TBSA third- and fourth-degree burns sustained during high-voltage electrical injury including 3 limb amputation and bowel necrosis requiring small bowel resection. This study is a case report and review of the literature. A 44-year-old man was brought to the Emergency Department with 40% TBSA third- and fourth-degree burns sustained during accidental contact with high-voltage electric current. He had multisystem injury including injuries to 3 of his extremities ultimately requiring a forequarter amputation of the left upper extremity and guillotine amputations of his bilateral lower extremities. He also sustained a visceral injury and underwent small bowel resection. While amputations are very common in electrical burn injuries, visceral electrical injuries are not. High-voltage electrical injuries are devastating multisystem insults that require multidisciplinary critical and operative care.