Abdominal compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that can occur in seriously ill people, such as those in intensive care units. Is your stomach (abdomen) bleeding or swollen, causing dangerous pressure that can lead to organ dysfunction? Abdominal compartment syndrome is life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a medical emergency that can occur in critically ill patients. It occurs when swelling and pressure in the stomach (abdomen) reach dangerous levels. Normal intra-abdominal pressure is 0 to 5 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). For critically ill patients, the range is 5-7 mmHg. High intra-abdominal pressure can be defined as: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) with an intra-abdominal pressure of 12-20 mmHg. Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) with pressure >20 mmHg. Abdominal compartment syndrome can prevent organs and muscles from getting enough blood and oxygen. This can lead to multiple organ failure and death and should be recognized and treated promptly. Abdominal compartment syndrome is rare. For the most part, it is limited to people in critical condition in hospitals, usually intensive care units. Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs when the abdomen is compressed by bleeding or swelling. Conditions that can cause such bleeding and pressure include: Major abdominal surgery abdominal infections bowel obstruction (constipation) large amounts of intravenous fluids (called fluid resuscitation) often needed for surgery and sepsis severe burns large blood transfusions pancreatic inflammation ruptured (bulging) abdominal aortic aneurysm aorta, Major blood vessels from the heart to the chest and abdomen), trauma (injury) to the abdomen. Symptoms of abdominal compartment syndrome often appear late, after the syndrome has already caused damage. Health care providers should closely monitor individuals at risk of developing abdominal compartment syndrome. People with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) may experience symptoms such as: Low blood pressure, low urine output, high peak ventilator pressures. However, the only way to confirm the diagnosis of ACS is to measure intra-abdominal pressure. Physicians diagnose ACS when the pressure exceeds 20 mmHg and there is evidence of organ failure. Typical treatment is surgical decompression of the abdomen. A surgeon performs a procedure called a decompressive laparotomy. They will make an incision (incision) through your skin and abdominal wall to open the area and release pressure. However, it may take several days for the pressure to reach near-normal levels. The incision may not close completely until this happens. Some people need repeat abdominal decompression surgery. If left untreated, abdominal compartment syndrome can be fatal. Ultimately, increased pressure in the abdomen causes more and more organs to close. However, early diagnosis and treatment can eventually lead to recovery from abdominal compartment syndrome, a medical emergency that can occur in seriously ill people. It occurs when swelling and pressure in the abdomen reach dangerous levels. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications and death. Measurement of bladder pressure is an excellent method of estimating IAP because it can be easily performed in patients at risk of significantly elevated IAP. A pressure greater than 12 mmHg is considered IAH and an IAP greater than 20 mmHg with new organ failure is ACS.