Haemodynamic effects following surgical release of increased intra-abdominal pressure

The haemodynamic indices of three patients, who developed abdominal tamponade as a result of intra-abdominal bleeding following liver transplantation, were measured on four occasions as the increased intra-abdominal pressure was released. Hypotension followed the release of the tamponade in all patients and was the result of a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. This was treated with vasoconstrictors; the response to various agents was monitored. Treatment of hypotension following release of abdominal tamponade by volume replacement alone may be inappropriate and may lead to over-transfusion; adrenaline may be the treatment of choice. Intensive haemodynamic monitoring is advisable.