Reversal of postoperative anuria by decompressive celiotomy

Postoperative oliguria or anuria can rarely be attributed to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. In this documented case, postoperative anuria responded to reduction in abdominal pressure by celiotomy. Actual abdominal pressure measurements are not available but probably would not be useful. However, hemodynamic measurements that were not consistent with diminished renal blood flow in a middle-aged patient were nevertheless associated with anuria, which responded to release of the abdominal pressure. Because of the association of regional pressure and acute renal decompensation, release of abdominal tension should be considered as a therapeutic option when hemodynamic measurements cannot explain a rapid decline in urine production.