What is Abdominal compartment syndrome?
{{Infobox disease | Name = Abdominal compartment syndrome | Image = Decompression laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome.jpg | Alt = Decompression laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome in a burn patient | Caption = A decompression laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome in a burn patient. The incision is left open and the abdominal organs are covered with an artificial membrane, in this case a ''[[Bogotá bag]]'', until the pressure within the abdomen is reduced. | DiseasesDB = | ICD10 = | ICD9 = {{ICD9|729.73}} | ICDO = | OMIM = | MedlinePlus = | eMedicineSubj = article | eMedicineTopic = 829008 | MeshID = | GeneReviewsID = | GeneReviewsName = }} '''Abdominal compartment syndrome''' occurs when the abdominal cavity (compartment) within the body becomes subject to increased pressure from within. This may be caused by internal bleeding, a blockage or fluid build-up in the intestines, or 'ascites': Fluid accumulated in the peritoneal cavity - the space between the lining of the [[abdomen]] (peritoneum) and the abdominal organs (the stomach, [[small intestine|small]] and [[large intestine]]s, [[pancreas]], [[liver]], and [[gallbladder]]). This increased pressure causes the abdomen to distend or expand, stretching the skin and placing pressure on the abdominal organs, which can constrict the blood vessels which supply them. When the pressure reaches a level above that of the blood supply to the tissues and organs of the abdomen, [[ischemia]] will happen leading to organ dysfunction and eventually failure.<ref>Pearson EG, Rollins MD, Vogler SA ''et al.'' Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome in children: before it is too late. J Pediatr Surg. 2010 Jun;45(6):1324-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2010.02.107. PMID 20620339</ref> An operation called a decompressive laparotomy may need to be performed, where an incision is made to open the abdominal cavity. The incision