The cardio-respiratory effects of intra-abdominal hypertension: Considerations for critical care nursing practice

Abdominal compartment syndrome due to extremely elongated sigmoid colon and rectum plus fecal impaction caused by disuse syndrome and diabetic neuropathy: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as a sustained raised level of intra-abdominal pressure more than 20 mmHg with or without abdominal perfusion pressure less than 60 mmHg and the development of new end-organ failure. Abdominal surgery, major trauma, volvulus, ileus, distended abdomen, fecal impaction, acute pancreatitis, liver dysfunction, sepsis, shock, obesity, and age have all been reported as risk factors. Herein, we report the severest known case of ACS due to extremely elongated sigmoid colon and rectum plus fecal impaction caused by disuse syndrome and diabetic neuropathy, together with a brief review of the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old Asian man suffering from shock was transported by ambulance to our hospital. His medical history included hypoglycemic encephalopathy sequelae, disuse syndrome, type 2 diabetic neuropathy, and constipation. He recovered consciousness in the ambulance, and his physical examination as well as laboratory findings were normal. X-ray and dynamic computed tomography revealed a thickened gut wall, and an extremely dilated sigmoid colon and rectum filled with a massive amount of stool as well as gas, compressing other intra-abdominal organs. We diagnosed the patient with transient vasovagal syncope, together with ACS, due to extremely elongated sigmoid colon and rectum plus fecal impaction, caused by anorectal disturbance derived from disuse syndrome and diabetic neuropathy. We first repeated stool extraction for bowel decompression and he subsequently became symptom-free, after which we performed a colostomy on the 28th hospital day. The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and he was discharged on the 44th hospital day.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians need to keep ACS in mind as a differential diagnosis and perform careful and detailed examination when encountering patients presenting with symptoms or risk factors of ACS. In addition, they need to precisely diagnose ACS and perform optimal treatment without delay.

Intraoperative initiation of a modified ARDSNet protocol increases survival of septic patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

PURPOSE

To assess the intraoperative initiation and feasibility of a modified NIH-NHLBI ARDS Network Mechanical Ventilation Protocol (mARDSNet protocol) in septic patients with severe ARDS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective observational study included consecutive adult septic patients with severe ARDS who underwent emergency abdominal surgery prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge and at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative adverse events and ICU length of stay.

RESULTS

Seven patients were included. A statistically significant difference in lung compliance [ε=0.150, F(1.053, 3.158)=31.098, p=0.010] and driving pressure [ε=0.263, F(1.844, 5.532)=7.042, p=0.031] was observed with time, while plateau pressure did not changed significantly during surgery [ε=0.322, F(2.256, 6.769)=1.920, p=0.219]. Also, PEEP values were constantly increased during surgery [ε=0.252, F(1.766, 5.297)=9.994, p=0.017], with the highest values being observed towards to the end of the procedure. No intraoperative adverse events were observed. Mean (±SD) ICU length of stay was 10.43 (±2.64) days, while all patients survived to hospital discharge and at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraoperative implementation of our mARDSNet protocol is feasible and may increase the survival of septic patients with severe ARDS if initiated prior to ICU admission.