Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring for critically ill patients.

Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is associated with a variety of clinical situations and has profound effects, both locally and systemically, that may result in organ dysfunction and failure. If not identified and treated promptly, increased IAP can be fatal. Urinary bladder pressure monitoring is a simple and reliable method of quantifying IAP and is a key factor leading to prompt management and a successful outcome for patients.