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Abdominal Compartment Syndrome — FRCA Final MCQ

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HardIntensive Care MedicineAbdominal Compartment SyndromeFRCA Final

An ICU patient with severe acute pancreatitis develops abdominal compartment syndrome. The intra-abdominal pressure is 28 mmHg. What is the definitive management?

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Correct answer: E — Surgical decompressive laparotomy

Abdominal compartment syndrome (IAP >20 + new organ dysfunction): definitive treatment is surgical decompressive laparotomy. Grade IV (>25 mmHg) with organ failure mandates urgent surgical decompression. Medical measures (NG decompression, rectal tube, NMB, percutaneous drainage) are temporising but insufficient in established ACS.

Reference: WSACS – 2023 – Intra-abdominal hypertension guidelines