Abdominal compartment syndrome facts for kids

Abdominal compartment syndrome happens when the space inside your belly, called the abdominal cavity, gets too much pressure. Think of your belly as a closed box. If too much stuff builds up inside, the pressure goes up.

This extra pressure can come from different things. It might be internal bleeding, a blockage in your intestines, or too much fluid. Sometimes, fluid can build up in the space around your belly organs. This fluid buildup is called 'ascites'. Your belly organs include your stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

What Happens During Abdominal Compartment Syndrome?

When the pressure inside your belly gets too high, your abdomen (belly area) can swell up. This stretches your skin and pushes on the organs inside. It can even squeeze the blood vessels that bring blood to these organs.

If the pressure gets higher than the blood supply, the organs won't get enough blood. This lack of blood flow is called ischemia. When organs don't get enough blood, they can stop working properly. If this continues, the organs might fail completely.

How Is Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Treated?

Doctors might need to do an operation to help reduce the pressure. This surgery is called a decompressive laparotomy. During this operation, a doctor makes a cut to open the abdominal cavity.

Often, the cut is left open for a while. This helps to release the pressure inside the belly. It allows the swelling to go down and helps the organs get enough blood again.

Types of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome

Abdominal compartment syndrome can be grouped into three main types:

• Primary abdominal compartment syndrome: This happens when the problem causing the pressure is directly inside the belly. It's often due to injuries within the abdomen.
• Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome: In this type, the problem isn't directly inside the belly. Instead, injuries or issues outside the abdomen cause fluid to build up inside the belly.
• Chronic abdominal compartment syndrome: This type develops slowly over time. It's often linked to long-term health problems, like certain liver diseases such as cirrhosis.

Images for kids

• 

  Treatment algorithm for IAH/ ACS

See also

In Spanish: Síndrome compartimental abdominal para niños