Background: Although abdominoplasty is cosmetically effective in patients with obesity or a history of significant weight loss, it can lead to serious complications. This case report highlights the role of elevated intra-abdominal pressure and delayed diagnosis of Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in the development of multiorgan failure and patient mortality.
Case Presentation: A 49-year-old female patient with a history of appendectomy and hysterectomy in the past years was admitted to the hospital for cosmetic abdominoplasty. She had a history of hypothyroidism and was taking levothyroxine regularly. Occasional tobacco use was also mentioned in the patient's history. During the operation, in addition to abdominoplasty, liposuction and flank surgery were also performed. The patient was initially placed in the supine position and then in the prone position for the last two hours. During recovery, the patient complained of shortness of breath and developed tachycardia. Despite persistently elevated BUN and creatinine, and progressive acidosis, a surgical consultation was performed with suspicion of Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), but this diagnosis was rejected by the surgeon. Also, despite clinical suspicion of Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) by the anesthesia team, in the early stages, the surgeon responsible for the patient did not have sufficient clinical suspicion of this complication and accordingly, intra-abdominal pressure measurement via bladder catheter was not performed. Since monitoring intra-abdominal pressure via bladder catheter requires a specific technique and coordination between anesthesia, surgery, and critical care teams, and since the possibility of ACS had been ruled out by the surgeon at that time, this procedure was not performed. Ultimately, the patient was transferred to the dialysis unit, but during hemodialysis, he suffered respiratory arrest and, after tracheal intubation, subsequently suffered cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts, the patient died.
Conclusion: Although rare, abdominal compartment syndrome should be considered a critical differential diagnosis in high-risk patients following prolonged surgeries such as abdominoplasty with extensive plication. Monitoring intra-abdominal pressure and early intervention upon symptom onset may prevent fatal outcomes.
