HAEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS FOLLOWING SURGICAL RELEASE OF INCREASED INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE

The haemodynamic indices of three patients, who developed abdominaltamponade as a result of intra-abdominal bleeding followingliver transplantation, were measured on four occasions as theincreased intra-abdominal pressure was released. Hypotensionfollowed the release of the tamponade in all patients and wasthe result of a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. Thiswas treated with vasoconstrictors; the response to various agentswas monitored. Treatment of hypotension following release ofabdominal tamponade by volume replacement alone may be inappropriateand may lead to over-transfusion; adrenaline may be the treatmentof choice. Intensivemonitoring is advisable.