IAH/ACS: the rationale for surveillance.

Surveillance for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) should be implemented in every intensive care unit (ICU), because it has been demonstrated that surveillance is effective. Several criteria that have led to the conclusion that IAH/ACS monitoring is of value: First, IAH is a frequent problem in critically ill patients that directly affects function of all organ systems to some degree, and that is associated with considerable mortality. Furthermore, simple tools for intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring are available, and it can be safely applied without the need for advanced tools. Finally, both ACS and IAH can be treated with either medical or surgical interventions. Treatment for IAH/ACS should be selected on the basis of the severity of symptoms and the cause of IAH. IAP monitoring should also be incorporated in the daily ICU management of the patient.