Postoperative gastric dilatation causing abdominal compartment syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of postoperative gastric dilatation on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). DESIGN AND SETTING: Single case report from a primary teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 72-year-old woman demonstrated a sudden respiratory and cardiovascular collapse following resection of a retroperitoneal sarcoma. This collapse was caused by abdominal compartment syndrome due to gastric dilatation. RESULTS: The patient was re-explored, an enormously distended stomach was found with the nasogastric tube situated in a small sliding hernia which prevented drainage of the distended stomach. Re-positioning of the nasogastric tube, allowed the decompression of the stomach and the patient's condition immediately improved. CONCLUSION: Acute abdominal distention following major abdominal surgery may result from acute gastric dilatation, leading to oliguria and increased airway pressures. Untreated gastric dilatation can cause abdominal compartment syndrome.