[Abdominal compartment syndrome in severe acute pancreatitis -- literature review]

The incidence of intraabdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome, as the more severe form is called, is relatively high in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, and therefore more attention is needed to the topic. If conservative treatment fails, immediate surgical decompression is indicated. The most commonly used operation is a full thickness median laparotomy, but a transversal laparotomy may also be effective. Although subcutaneous linea alba, or bilateral anterior rectus fasciotomy is safe and effective, decompressive laparotomy is indicated in failure of these methods. The open abdomen therapy is not advised due to high morbidity. Primary closure of the abdomen is preferable.