Effect of Different Methods of Abdominal Decompression on the Dynamics of Intra-Abdominal Pressure in the Early Postoperative Period in Patients with Secondary Diffuse Peritonitis: Observational Study
Authors: Popandopulo K. I. , Isakhanian K. A. , Bazlov S. B. , Ushkvarok P. S. , Babenko A. A. 
Published: June 2023

Background. Intra-abdominal hypertension complicates the course of secondary diffuse peritonitis in at least 60–70% of cases. Abdominal decompression is an essential component in the complex of therapeutic measures in patients with secondary diffuse peritonitis. However, no clear criteria for choosing the method and timing of abdominal decompression have been developed so far. The effectiveness of its use in various forms of peritonitis remains controversial.

Objectives — to study the dynamics of intra-abdominal pressure in the early postoperative period when using various methods of abdominal decompression in patients with secondary diffuse peritonitis.

Methods. The work was performed on the basis of an observational clinical study under the auspices of Regional Clinical Emergency Hospital over a period from January 2021 to December 2022. The authors studied intra-abdominal pressure in 74 patients with secondary diffuse peritonitis in the early postoperative period. In 39 (52.7%) patients (group 1), decompression was carried out in the form of prolonged nasogastric intubation. 15 (20.3%) patients (group 2) underwent nasointestinal intubation. Group 3 was represented by 10 patients (13.5%) which were affected by open abdomen technology and vacuum assisted closure (VAC). Group 4 included patients with vacuum-assisted laparostoma who underwent nasointestinal intubation. The severity of peritonitis was assessed using WSES cIAIs Score and Mannheim Peritonitis Index. The dynamics of intra-abdominal pressure was determined through the urinary catheter using the Uno Meter Abdo Pressure® Kit (Unomedical, Russia) before surgery and within 5 days of the postoperative period. Statistical analysis was based on non-parametric Wilcoxon test for comparing the values of the same group at different periods of observation. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare absolute values in different groups.

Results. Nasogastric tube did not provide an acceptable reduction in intra-abdominal pressure, especially in patients with severe forms of peritonitis. Prolonged nasointestinal intubation contributed to a steady decrease in intra-abdominal pressure throughout the postoperative period, while simultaneous intubation resulted in an increase in intra-abdominal hypertension after a decline in values one day after surgery. The best results of intra-abdominal pressure dynamics were observed in case of vacuum-assisted laparostomy and its combination with nasointestinal intubation. Throughout the postoperative period, the intra-abdominal pressure did not exceed 15–17 mmHg. This method can be used only in treatment of the most severe forms of peritonitis, with indications for sanitation relaparotomy and in case of threatened abdominal compression syndrome.

Conclusion. The data obtained enable the process of choosing surgical tactics and method of abdominal decompression to be optimized with respect to the severity of peritonitis and intra-abdominal hypertension.