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Non-surgical treatment options
Early recognition of Intra-abdominal Hypertension (IAH) is important; and a number of non-surgical treatment options may be applied to normalise the patients Intra-abdominal Pressure (IAP).
- Paracenthesis
- Gastric suctioning
- Rectal enemas and suctioning
- Gastroprokinetics (cisapride, metoclopramide, domperidone, erythromycin)
- Colonoprokinetics (prostygmine)
- Furosemide either alone or in combination with human albumin 20%
- Continous venovenous hemofiltration with aggressive ultrafiltration
- Continous negative abdominal pressure
- Sedation
- Curarisation
- Body positioning
Should these non-surgical treatment options fail the need for surgical decompression may be urgently needed because increased IAP threatens the viability of the tissues within the abdomen, if not recognised and treated.
Ref.: Cheatham M.L et al, Results from the International Conference of Experts on Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. II.Recommendations.
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