Postoperative gastric dilatation causing abdominal compartment syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Objective To study the effect of postoperative gastric dilatation on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Design and setting Single case report from a primary teaching hospital. Patients and methods A 72-year-old woman demonstrated a sudden respiratory and cardiovascular collapse following resection of a retroperitoneal sarcoma. This collapse was caused by abdominal compartment syndrome due to gastric dilatation. Results The patient was re-explored, an enormously distended stomach was found with the nasogastric tube situated in a small sliding hernia which prevented drainage of the distended stomach. Re-positioning of the nasogastric tube, allowed the decompression of the stomach and the patient's condition immediately improved. Conclusion Acute abdominal distention following major abdominal surgery may result from acute gastric dilatation, leading to oliguria and increased airway pressures. Untreated gastric dilatation can cause abdominal compartment syndrome.