Postoperative gastric dilatation causing abdominal compartment syndrome

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To study the effect of postoperative gastric dilatation on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP).</p> <p>Design and setting</p> <p>Single case report from a primary teaching hospital.</p> <p>Patients and methods</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>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.</p