Abdominal hypertension and decompression: the effect on peritoneal metabolism in an experimental porcine study

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the abdominal metabolic response and circulatory changes after decompression of intra-abdominal hypertension in a porcine model.

Methods: This was an experimental study with controls. Three-month-old domestic pigs of both sexes were anesthetized and ventilated. Nine animals had a pneumoperitoneum-induced IAH of 30 mmHg for 6 hours. Twelve animals had the same IAH for 4 hours followed by decompression, and were monitored for another 2 hours. Hemodynamics, including laser Doppler-measured mucosal blood flow, urine output, and arterial blood samples were analyzed every hour along with glucose, glycerol, lactate and pyruvate concentrations, and lactate-pyruvate (l/p) ratio, measured by microdialysis.

Results: Laser Doppler-measured mucosal blood flow and urine output decreased with the induction of IAH and showed a statistically significant resolution after decompression. Both groups developed distinct metabolic changes intraperitoneally on induction of IAH, including an increased l/p ratio, as signs of organ hypoperfusion. In the decompression group the intraperitoneal l/p ratio normalized during the second decompression hour, indicating partially restored perfusion.

Conclusion: Decompression after 4 hours of IAH results in an improved intestinal blood flow and a normalized intraperitoneal l/p ratio.