Increase In Intra-abdominal Pressure Research Articles

Influence of intra-abdominal pressure on ventilatory mechanical power delivery and respiratory driving pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A prospective cohort study

Abstract Background and Aims: Pneumoperitoneum creation for laparoscopic surgery increases the intraabdominal pressure and causes alveolar atelectasis. We investigated the influence of an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on ventilatory mechanical power (MP) delivery during pneumoperitoneum creation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Material and Methods: In a prospective cohort design, we enrolled 42 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During pneumoperitoneum creation, the IAP was sequentially raised to three predefined IAP levels (8, 11 and 14 mmHg), keeping identical ventilatory settings (timepoints T1, T2, and T3). After that, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was sequentially raised from 5 to 8 to 11 cmH2O (timepoint T4 and T5). The primary outcome included ventilatory MP delivery at each timepoint. Other variables included respiratory driving pressure (DP), airway resistance (AR), and respiratory compliance (RC). Results: The MP increased linearly with a rise in IAP from T1 to T3 (r = 0.71, P < 0.001); the MP increased by 0.19 per unit rise in IAP (effect size 0.90, P < 0.001). A similar positive correlation was also observed between DP and IAP from T1 to T3 (r = 0.73, P < 0.001); the DP increased by 0.72 per unit rise in IAP (effect size 0.89, P < 0.001). The MP increased significantly on increasing PEEP from T3 to T5, while the DP decreased concomitantly (P < 0.001). The AR increased significantly from T1 to T3, while RC decreased concomitantly; vice-versa was observed at T4 and T5 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The ventilatory MP delivery rises linearly with an increase in IAP. Targeting an IAP-guided MP level could be an attractive approach to minimize lung injury.

Morphometric evaluation of the linea alba in fresh corpses

PurposeDiastasis recti abdominis is an increase in the distance between the medial borders of the two rectus muscles. It is most often triggered after intra-abdominal pressure increases, such as postpartum or in obesity. Most publications are based on radiological studies or are done in certain subgroups, without unanimous reference values of the distance between the rectus abdominis or standardization. MethodsForty-one cadavers were studied. Exclusion criteria: signs of abdominal trauma, major burns, presence of scar from previous abdominal surgery, clinical signs of abdominal hernia, and identification of hernia during cadaver dissection. Linea alba (LA) length, width, and thickness were measured with a flexible tape measure and digital caliper. Anatomical landmarks were established, and subdivisions were described based on them to compare the cadavers. ResultsSex and age had little effect on LA width, thickness, or length. Obesity (compared to normal weight) was the only variable that promoted an increase in the LA width (p < 0.01). The supraumbilical length varied with the total height of the evaluated cadavers (p < 0.01), but the infraumbilical length did not (p = 0.11). ConclusionThe general statistical results of this study, regarding the evaluation of LA measurements in cadavers, showed that ethnicity, sex, and age have little effect on the width, thickness, or length of the LA. LA width differed significantly with abdominal circumference.

Meckel's Diverticulum Injuries after Blunt Trauma.

Background: The complications associated with Meckel's diverticulum (MD) are well-known. However, blunt injuries regarding MD have not been widely described in the literature. This was the reason for undertaking research on MD lesions. Materials and Methods: The materials consisted of 28 cases of damage to MD after blunt trauma published during the years 1921-2022. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The following MD injuries have been identified, starting with the most common isolated perforation of MD, bleeding from the area of MD, perforation of MD with concomitant tearing of the mesentery intestines and bleeding, intussusception of MD, and intramural hematoma of MD with adjacent mesenteric hematoma. Most injuries were caused by a traffic accident, followed by sports, accidents at work, and then violence. Almost all the cases (27) involved men. Several possible mechanisms may contribute to post-traumatic damage to MD. First of all, they are associated with abdominal compression and a secondary increase in intra-abdominal pressure as well as with the action of shearing forces during deceleration. Conclusions: Traumatic MD injuries are differentiated and very rare. They can coexist with other serious injuries to the abdominal organs.

Potential role of physical labor and cultural views of menstruation in high incidence of pelvic organ prolapse in Nepalese women: a comparative study across the menstrual cycle.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a significant health concern for young Nepali women, with potential risk factors including pelvic floor trauma from vaginal delivery and heavy lifting. The prevalence of symptomatic POP (SPOP) among nulliparous women in Nepal is 6%, while the general population of Nepali women aged 15-49 years reports a prevalence of 7%. Surprisingly, the average age of SPOP onset in Nepal is 27 years, challenging the assumption that postmenopausal age and vaginal delivery are the sole risk factors. This study aims to investigate the influence of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during lifting tasks on pelvic organ descent in Nepali women across different menstrual cycle stages. The study included 22 asymptomatic Nepali women aged 18-30 years who regularly engage in heavy lifting. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured intra-vaginally during typical and simulated lifting tasks, which encompassed various scenarios such as ballistic lifting, ramped lifting, and pre-contraction of pelvic floor muscles, as well as coughing, Valsalva maneuver, and pelvic floor contractions. Pelvic floor displacement was recorded using transperineal ultrasound during menstruation, ovulation, and the mid-luteal phase. Results indicated that pelvic floor displacement was greater during menstruation than ovulation when performing a simulated ballistic lifting task (6.0 ± 1.6 mm vs. 5.1 ± 1.5 mm, p = 0.03, d = 0.6). However, there was no significant difference in pelvic floor displacement during lifting when the pelvic muscles were pre-contracted. These findings suggest that lifting heavy loads during menstruation may increase the risk of stretching and injuring pelvic floor supportive tissues, potentially contributing to SPOP in young Nepali women. Pre-contracting pelvic floor muscles during lifting tasks may offer a protective effect. Understanding these factors could aid in developing targeted preventive measures and raising awareness about the impact of heavy lifting on pelvic floor health among Nepali women.

Assessment of Involuntary PFM Contractions in Comparison with Existing Literature and IUGA/ICS Terminology Reports

Introduction and HypothesisInvoluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions are thought to occur during an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Although no studies have assessed their presence in women with normal pelvic floor (PF) function, existing literature links the absence of involuntary PFM contractions to various PF dysfunctions. This study rectifies this lacuna by evaluating involuntary PFM contractions during IAP in healthy nulliparous women with no PF dysfunction, using visual observation and vaginal palpation. Results were compared with the literature and the IUGA/ICS Terminology Reports.MethodsNulliparous (n=149) women performed three sets of three maximal coughs. Visual observation and vaginal palpation were conducted in the standing and supine positions. The women were not instructed to contract their PFMs. Occurrence rates were calculated for each assessment method and position; differences between positions were analyzed using the Chi-squared test.ResultsRates of occurrence of involuntary PFM contraction were low across both assessments and positions (5–17%). Significant differences were found between standing (5%) and supine (15%) positions for visual observation, but not vaginal palpation (15%, 17% respectively). Occurrence rates also differed compared with the literature and terminology reports.ConclusionsContrary to clinical expectations, rates of occurrence of involuntary PFM contraction among our cohort of nulliparous women were extremely low. Digital palpation results showed high agreement with the terminology reports, but only partial agreement was observed for the visual observation results. Our study underscores the need for more research aimed at defining normal involuntary PF functions, a review of our understanding of involuntary PFM contractions, and better standardized guidelines for involuntary PFM assessment methods.

Intra-abdominal pressure and residual renal function decline in peritoneal dialysis: a threshold-based investigation

Background The potential impact of elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on residual renal function (RRF) has not been determined. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between IAP and the rate of RRF decline in newly initiated peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and to identify the optimal IAP threshold value for delaying the deterioration of RRF. Methods A cohort of 62 newly initiated PD patients who completed both 6- and 12-month follow-up evaluations was obtained using the Durand method. A logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with a rapid decline in RRF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the optimal threshold value. Another retrospective cohort analysis was performed to validate the identified critical value. Results For each 1 cmH2O increase in IAP, the risk of a rapid decline in the RRF increased by a factor of 1.679. Subsequent analysis revealed that patients in the high IAP group had more significant decreases in residual renal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Z = −3.694, p < 0.001) and urine volume (Z = −3.121, p < 0.001) than did those in the non-high IAP group. Furthermore, an IAP ≥15.65 cmH2O was a robust discriminator for the prediction of the rate of RRF decline. Conclusion Patients in the high IAP group experienced a more rapid decline in RRF. Additionally, an optimal critical pressure of 15.65 cmH2O was identified for predicting the rate of RRF decline. IAP, as one of the factors contributing to the rapid decline in RRF in the first year of PD, should be given due attention.

Clinical Observations in Patients With Open Abdomens Managed With Negative Pressure Therapy Using a Perforated Foam Dressing: A Limited Case Series With Brief Literature Review

Introduction. Emergency laparotomy has become an increasingly more frequent and expensive general surgery procedure in terms of cost and resource utilization. Primary fascial closure at the index procedure may not be feasible in many patients, requiring use of the open abdomen (OA) technique. Patients with OA are most often managed with temporary abdomen closure (TAC). Open abdomen negative pressure therapy (OA-NPT) has been shown to be an effective TAC technique, which facilitates re-exploration, protects visceral organs, mitigates fascial retraction, prevents loss of abdominal domain, and provides effective volumetric abdominal fluid management. Objective. This study assessed the clinical use and outcomes of a next-generation perforated polyurethane foam dressing that has been developed for use with OA-NPT. Materials and Methods. The authors evaluated a next-generation OA-NPT foam dressing to provide TAC in 4 patients who required OA management. Two surgeons at different facilities exercised their independent surgical discretion in selecting the patients who would receive the next generation OA-NPT foam dressing. Surgical interventions to resolve the underlying pathology were completed using the OA technique. Postoperatively, all patients had intermittent urinary bladder pressures recorded as an indirect method for approximating intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and to monitor clinical evidence of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) or abdominal compartment syndrome. Results. In these patients, primary fascial closure was achieved and no appreciable increase in IAP was noted. No gastrointestinal complications related to the next generation perforated OA-NPT foam dressing were noted. Conclusions. Based on the authors' clinical assessment of the 4 patients who required OA management, the new, perforated OA-NPT foam dressing was effective in providing increased medial tension and contraction without an appreciable increase in IAP.

Stress Urinary Incontinence in Young Female Athletes- From Prevalence to Treatment- A Review

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent issue among females aged 15-65, with prevalence rates ranging from 10% to 55%. Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is the most common form in young athletes, with rates ranging from 0% (golf) to 80% (trampolinists). Activities like jumping, landing, and running can cause leakage due to an increase in intraabdominal pressure. This study aimed to identify management strategies and the prevalence of SUI in teenage female athletes. A literature search was conducted on studies conducted between 1990 and the present, excluding abstracted and non-open access studies. The research found that the chance of urinary stress incontinence in young and nulliparous female athletes in sports ranges from 0% (golf) to 80% (trampolinists). These activities, including gymnastics, long jumps, track and field, and ball activities, significantly impact their standard of existence, psychological situation, and athletic performance. Effective conservative treatment options for SUI include behavioral and lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, and core strengthening exercises. Female athletes require significantly stronger pelvic floor muscles than inactive females, and contraction of these muscles should occur as the inner core muscles are engaged. Future studies, instruction, and focused therapies are needed for female athletes with SUI.

Comparative Analysis of Haemodynamic and Capnographic Changes in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Open Cholecystectomy: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now preferred over the open procedure due to advantages such as reduced blood loss and shorter hospital stays. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for increased Intra-abdominal Pressure (IAP) during laparoscopic procedures, which may impact haemodynamic stability and respiratory parameters. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis directly comparing both surgical approaches from both haemodynamic and capnographic perspectives. Aim: To compare the haemodynamic and capnographic changes between laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical study was conducted at Department of Anaesthesiology, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India from May 2021 to June 2022. The study included 300 patients scheduled for cholecystectomy, divided into two groups: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) Group I (n=150) and Open Cholecystectomy (OC) Group II (n=150). Haemodynamic parameters, including Pulse Rate (PR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and Oxygen Saturation (SpO2 ), were recorded. Capnographic parameters, such as End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO2 ) levels, were also measured at regular intervals. Data analysis was performed using the student’s t-test and Chi-square test with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software and Microsoft excel. Results: There were no significant differences in age, body weight, and sex distribution between Group I and Group II. However, significant differences were observed in PR and SBP at 15 minutes (PR: 101.46 and 95.86; SBP: 148.57 and 140.97), 30 minutes (PR: 104.52 and 99.82; SBP: 141.28 and 136.07), and 45 minutes (PR: 102.52 and 97.70; SBP: 140.59 and 133.95) (p-value &lt;0.01). Highly significant differences were observed in MAP and EtCO2 postinsufflation at 15 minutes (MAP: 118.38 and 108.61; EtCO2: 36.48 and 33.89), 30 minutes (MAP: 111.11 and 106.01; EtCO2: 41.02 and 36.15), 45 minutes (MAP: 110.73 and 103.48; EtCO2: 42.65 and 38.36), and 60 minutes (MAP: 106.08 and 101.45; EtCO2: 41.10 and 38.21) (p-value &lt;0.01). DBP showed high significance at 15 minutes (103.21 and 93.23), 30 minutes (96.74 and 92.57), and 60 minutes (93.14 and 86.92) (p-value &lt;0.01), and significant (p-value=0.01) at 45 minutes (95.53 and 87.59). Oxygen saturation showed significance (p-value &lt;0.05) at 15 minutes (99.93 and 100). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a significant increase in both haemodynamic and capnographic parameters, even in American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Grade-I and Grade-II patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to the open surgical technique. These findings emphasise the need for careful monitoring during laparoscopic procedures.

Conocimiento y prevalencia de síntomas de disfunciones del suelo pélvico en mujeres nulíparas que practican deportes de alto impacto: estudio preliminar

ObjectivesTo describe the knowledge about the pelvic floor (PF), pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD), its main risk factors, and the preventive and treatment strategies for them, as well as to determine the prevalence of PFD symptoms and the distress produced in nulliparous women who play basketball, football or handball. MethodologyDescriptive cross-sectional study, population-based. Women of legal age who practiced basketball, football or handball for at least 3hours a week for 2years were included. Pregnant women, with a history of pregnancy, with cognitive or visual alterations were excluded. To carry out the study, an ad hoc questionnaire was designed on the Google Forms platform, which was disseminated through WhatsApp. ResultsThe participants had greater knowledge about urinary incontinence (10/12 points) than about pelvic organ prolapse (6/12 points). Despite having knowledge about the location of the PF and its functions, they did not perform an anticipated contraction of this muscle before lifting weights. A prevalence of PFD symptoms of 84.6% was obtained, highlighting urinary incontinence (82.9%). The distress produced by these symptoms was mild (median: 11.97; IQR: 16.7). ConclusionsThe women in the sample have high knowledge about the PF and the PFD, however, they do not use the anticipated contraction of the PF muscles as a protection strategy against the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during sports practice. The prevalence of PFD symptoms is high, although the distress that these symptoms cause them is mild.

Comparative Study of Clinical Outcome of Low Pressure Versus Standard Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital (BMCTH)

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy at standard pressure pneumoperitoneum ( 12-15 mmHg of Co2) is standard of practice among surgeons. The increase in intraabdominal pressure by insufflation of carbon dioxide during laparoscopy brings certain changes in function of cardiopulmonary systems and also leads to postoperative pain due to stretching of the diaphragm.&#x0D; Objective: To minimise this impact on human physiology there is increasing effort of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at low pressure pneumoperitoneum (8mm Hg) however its safety has not been established. This study aims to compare outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy at low pressure pneumoperitoneum versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum in people undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of intraoperative time, postoperative pain including shoulder tip pain and length of hospital stay.Methodology: This descriptive randomised prospective study was conducted from Feb 2023 to Aug 2023 in the department of general surgery, BMCTH in patients diagnosed with symptomatic gallstone disease meeting inclusion criteria and willing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All patients were prospectively randomized into two groups randomly by the lottery method. A convenient sampling method was used. Group A odd number patients underwent surgery under low pressure (LPPLC group), Group B patients at standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPPLC).&#x0D; Results:A total of 145 patients (114 female and 31 male) with mean age 44.99 years of presentation. 73 patients underwent surgery under LPPLC group and 72 under SPPLC group. Mean pain recorded as per VAS score at 6, 12, 24 and 36 hours postoperatively showed no significant difference in pain among two groups with p value 0.972,0.121,0.212,0.072 respectively. Shoulder tip pain and additional need of analgesia was significantly less in LPPLC group, p value 0.002 and 0.015 respectively. No significant difference was observed in terms of operating time p value 0.151.Conversion between two groups p value 0.494 suggested no significant difference between two group.&#x0D; Conclusion:LPPLC is feasible, safe and can be considered over SPPLC. LPPLC is non inferior to SPPLC in terms of postoperative pain including shoulder tip pain and additional need of analgesia.

The treatment for closure of the bladder neck via transvaginal approach

Urinary incontinence is described as the involuntary loss of urine due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure combined with a lack of contraction of the detrusor muscle. The most common being stress incontinence, as it occurs in 30% of women between 30 and 60 years old. There is another condition called hidden stress incontinence as a result of a coiling of the urethra that causes obstruction in its lumen. This can manifest itself when performing any activity that involves effort, such as coughing or sneezing. Nowadays there are numerous surgical interventions for the treatment of these pathologies, so there is a discrepancy in the choice of the appropriate surgical technique to correct these conditions in isolation.

Numerical investigation of intra-abdominal pressure and spinal load-sharing upon the application of an abdominal belt

Chronic low back pain patients may experience spinal instability. Abdominal belts (ABs) have been shown to improve spine stability, trunk stiffness, and resiliency to spinal perturbations. However, research on the contributing mechanisms is inconclusive. ABs may increase intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and reduce paraspinal soft tissue contribution to spine stability without increasing spinal compressive loads. A finite element model (FEM) of the spine inclusive of the T1-S1 vertebrae, intervertebral discs (IVDs), ribcage, pelvis, soft tissues, and abdominal cavity, without active muscle forces was developed. An identical FEM with an AB was developed. Both FEMs underwent trunk flexion. Following validation, the models’ intervertebral rotation (IVR), IAP, IVD pressure, and tensile stress in the multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), and thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) were compared. The inclusion of an AB resulted in a 3.8 kPa IAP increase, but a decreased average soft tissue tensile stress of 0.28 kPa. The TLF withstood the majority of tension being transferred across the paraspinal soft tissues (>70 %). The average IVR in the AB model decreased by 10 %, with the lumbar spine experiencing the largest reduction. The lumbar IVDs of the AB model likewise showed a 31 % reduction in average IVD pressure. Using an AB improved trunk bending stiffness, primarily in the lumbar spine. Wearing an AB had minimal effect on reducing tensile stress in theES. The skewed stress distribution towards the TLF suggests its large contribution to spine stability and the potential advantage in unloading the structure when wearing an AB, measured herein at8 %.

Does Maintaining a Targeted Abdominal Perfusion Pressure Reduce Renal Damage in Patients with Septic Shock?: A Randomized, Controlled, and Open-label Study.

Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit leads to reduced abdominal perfusion pressure (APP), causing circulatory insufficiency and organ failure. To investigate the effect of maintaining a targeted APP on renal injury and the effect of increased IAP on the mortality rate in patients with septic shock. Randomized, controlled, open-label study. A total of 72 patients were randomly divided into two groups (MAP65 or APP60). The MAP target for patients in the MAP65 group (n = 36) was 65 mmHg according to the Surviving Sepsis Guidelines. In the APP60 group (n = 36), the target APP was set to > 60 mmHg. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), inotrope consumption, and IAP were recorded daily. The need for renal replacement therapy, decrease in GFR, and 30- and 90-day mortality rates were compared between the two groups. In both the groups, the IAP was statistically similar (p = 0.458). The decreased in GFR was similar in both groups during the first 2 days. From day 3, there was a more statistically significant rapid decline in GFR in the MAP65 group than in the APP60 group. The GFR p-values on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days were 0.040, 0.043, and 0.032, respectively. Eight patients (22.2%) in the MAP65 group and three patients (8.3%) in the APP group required renal replacement therapy (p = 0.101). The 30-day mortality rates in the MAP65 and APP60 groups were 61.1%, and 47.7%, respectively (p = 0.237). The 90-day mortality rates in the MAP65 and APP60 groups were 66.7% and 66.7%, respectively (p = 1). Setting an APP target limited the reduction in GFR. The mortality rates were similar in the two groups and there was no difference in the rate of end-stage renal failure between the groups.

The association between maternal intra-abdominal pressure and hypertension in pregnancy.

Pregnancy leads to a state of chronically increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) caused by a growing fetus, fluid, and tissue. Increased intra-abdominal pressure is leading to state of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension (IAH) and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. Clinical features and risk factors of preeclampsia is comparable to abdominal compartment syndrome. IAP may be associated with the hypertension in pregnancy (HIP). The study aimed to determine the antepartum and postpartum IAP levels in women undergoing caesarean delivery (CD) and association between hypertension in pregnancy, and antepartum and postpartum IAP levels in women undergoing CD. Seventy pregnant women (55 normotensive, 15 HIP) undergoing antepartum, non-emergency CD, had their intravesical pressure measured before and after the CD, the intravesical pressure measurements obtained with the patient in the supine position were considered to correspond to the IAP. Multivariable linear regression models were used to study associations between intraabdominal pressure and baseline characteristics in normotensive pregnancies and hypertensive pregnancies. In normotensive pregnancies at mean gestation age of 38.2 weeks (95%CI 37.9 to 38.6), mean antepartum IAP was 12.7 mmHg(95%CI 11.6 to 13.8) and the mean postpartum IAP was 7.3 mmHg (95% CI 11.6 to 13.8). Multivariable linear regression models showed HIP group antepartum IAP positively associated with coefficient value of 1.617 (p = 0.268) comparing with normotensive pregnancy group. Postpartum IAP in HIP group positively associated with coefficient value of 2.519 (p = 0.018) comparing with normotensive pregnancy group. IAP difference is negatively associated with HIP (coefficient -1.013, p = 0.179). In normotensive pregnancies at term, the IAP was in the IAH range of the non-pregnant population. Higher Antepartum IAP and Postpartum IAP are associated with HIP. Reduction of IAP from antepartum period to postpartum period was less with HIP.

Abdominal Wall Movements Predict Intra-Abdominal Pressure Changes in Rats: A Novel Non-Invasive Intra-Abdominal Pressure Detection Method.

(1) Background: As increases in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) result in irreversible tissue damage, monitoring IAP in critically ill patients using the common urinary bladder catheter method is essential. However, this method can result in complications and is not suitable for very low birth weight neonates. The aim of this study was to establish a non-invasive and accurate method to detect IAP changes using an animal model. (2) Methods: IAP changes via intra-abdominal air application (up to 20 mmHg) were measured in 19 Wistar rats via an intra-abdominally placed intracranial pressure probe. Concurrently, abdominal surface tension was measured using a Graseby capsule (GC). (3) Results: A high correlation between abdominal wall distension and IAP (r = 0.9264, CI 0.9249-0.9279) was found for all subjects. (4) Conclusions: IAP changes in rats can be detected non-invasively using a GC. However, further studies are necessary to assess whether IAP changes can be measured using a GC in the neonatal population.

The Association Between Intra-abdominal Pressure and Diuretic Response in Heart Failure.

An efficient diuretic response is vital during cardiac decompensation in heart failure (HF) patients. The increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) could be one of the keys for understanding cardiorenal syndrome and guiding diuretic treatment during hospitalization. In this review, we analyze the relationship between IAP and diuretic response in HF patients. Increased IAP is associated with worsening renal function (WRF) in patients with advanced HF. Furthermore, the persistence of a rise in IAP after the first 72 h of intravenous diuretic treatment has been correlated with a worse diuretic response, a higher degree of congestion, and an impaired prognosis. The rise in IAP in HF patients has been associated with impaired renal function and a lower diuretic response. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to elucidate the actual role of IAP in congestive nephropathy and whether it may help guide diuretic therapy during acute decompensations.

Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum in a patient with giant inguinal hernia: report of a case

Giant hernias have chronic abdominal wall defects that slowly and progressively grow and alter the normal physiology of the abdominal wall. The clinical case we report is a 76-year-old male who began 7 years ago with protrusion in the left inguinal area with progressive increase in volume until reaching the inability to walk is presented. The protocol is followed by pneumoperitoneum insufflation with 500-1000 milliliters (ml) of carbon dioxide daily for 10 days. The treatment of large hernia defects of the abdominal wall produces a large increase in intra-abdominal pressure during visceral reduction, which entails an alteration in cardiorespiratory biomechanics by elevating the diaphragm and reducing venous return. This technique would be indicated in hernias greater than 10 centimeters (cm), as well as in large inguinal and umbilical hernias, with irreducible sacs, with "loss of domain". It is protocolized with preoperative preparation with pneumoperitoneum for 10 days, for subsequent inguinal plasty with Lichtenstein technique, during which a minimum of adhesions were found, managing to preserve the ipsilateral testicle, reducing surgical time and hospital stay, with no data on compartment syndrome in the abdomen after surgery, providing a good alternative in this type of condition.

THE EFFECT OF INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE EXPERIMENTAL CHANGES ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE RAT'S LEVATOR ANI MUSCLE

In clinical practice, it is well known that an increase in intra-abdominal pressure can lead to disorders in the functioning of internal organs, cause the development of multiple organ failure and the formation of pelvic organ prolapse. Despite the fact that the pelvic bottom along with the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and the diaphragm, takes an active part in the formation of intra-abdominal pressure, so far there are practically no morphological studies of the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm and their reactive changes that occur in response to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The aim of the study was to study the ultrastructural rearrangements of the levator ani muscle in response to experimentally formed states of increase and decrease in intra-abdominal pressure. The work was performed on 21 male outbred adult white laboratory rats. It has been established that after damage to the myofibrillar apparatus of the muscle fibers of the levator ani muscle in response to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, the processes of sarcoplasmic adaptation and activation of the synthetic apparatus begin in them, which leads to a gradual restoration of their structure to its initial state. These changes are subject to certain time dynamics. 4 weeks after the increase in intra-abdominal pressure, a slight atrophy of the myofibrillar apparatus is observed and expansions of the intermyofibrillar cytoplasmic matrix appear. In mitochondria distinctly expressed irreversible changes in mitochondria occur, many mitochondria die. Subsequently, a significant amount of glycogen granules appears between the myofibrils, the structure of the myons is restored. Eight weeks after the start of the experiment, the structure of most muscle fibers is restored almost completely. The structure of the levator ani muscle did not change during the simulation of reduced intra-abdominal pressure in comparison with the control group at all periods of observation. In general, the study shows that the levator ani muscle skeletal muscle tissue has a high mechanic-dependent plasticity, which manifests itself in compensatory rearrangements of the ultrastructure of its fibers in response to changes in intra-abdominal pressure.

A 3D multi-scale skeletal muscle model to predict active and passive responses. Application to intra-abdominal pressure prediction

Computational models have been used extensively to study the behavior of skeletal muscle structures, however few of these models are able to evaluate their 3D active response using as input experimental measurements such as electromyography. Hence, improving the activation mechanisms in simulation models can provide interesting and useful achievements in this field. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to develop a multi-scale chemo-mechanical material model to consider the active behavior of skeletal muscle in 3D geometries. The model was used to investigate the response of abdominal muscles which represent a challenging scenario due to their complex geometry and anatomical conditions. Realistic muscle geometries and other tissues of the human abdomen, including transverse abdominis (TA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), rectus abdominis (RA), rectus sheath (RSH), linea alba (LA) and aponeurosis (APO) were considered. Since the geometry of these tissues was obtained from magnetic resonance images, an iterative algorithm was implemented to find the initial stress state that achieve the equilibrium of them with the intra-abdominal pressure. In order to investigate the functionality of the proposed model, the increase of intra-abdominal pressure was calculated during cough in the supine position while the Ca2+ signal for activating the muscles was set in regard to experimentally recorded electrical activity from previous studies. The amount of intra-abdominal pressure calculated by the model is consistent with reported experimental results. This model can serve as a virtual laboratory to analyze the role of the abdominal wall components in different conditions, such as the performance of meshes used for repairing hernia defects.