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2026, Number 2

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Cir Plast 2026; 36 (2)

Abdominal compartment syndrome following abdominoplasty: a multidisciplinary review of an underrecognized risk

Pineda-Pérez MC, Fonseca-Jiménez JM, Álvarez-Correa LA

Language: Spanish
References: 36
Page: 217-227
PDF size: 946.88 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Abdominal compartment syndrome following abdominal plication is an underrecognized complication in the field of aesthetic surgery; however, it can compromise multiple organ systems and become life-threatening. A structured search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, SciELO, and ScienceDirect, including clinical studies, case series and reviews published between 2000 and 2024. The literature reviewed suggests that increased intraabdominal pressure in the context of aesthetic surgery is associated with rectus muscle plication and patient related risk factors. Timely diagnosis is limited by low clinical suspicion, which delays appropriate management and increases the risk of complications. Abdominal compartment syndrome represents a potentially fatal complication in patients undergoing abdominoplasty, and its identification remains challenging due to the nonspecific nature of its symptoms. This review highlights precipitating factors such as excessive plication length and lack of intraoperative intra-abdominal pressure monitoring. The implementation of multidisciplinary preventive strategies including proper preoperative assessment, individualized surgical techniques, anesthetic considerations and intraoperative and postoperative monitoring is essential to reduce its incidence. Promoting active surveillance and early recognition of this condition is crucial to ensuring patient safety.


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