Hypertension intra-abdominale : conséquences physiopathologiques et techniques de mesure

The clinical interest of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and its deleterious effects is increasing since recent years. The respiratory and haemodynamic effects of an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) are certain. This work focuses on the pathophysiological consequences of an IAH and the description of the IAP measurement techniques the most routinely used. The IAP measurement method currently suggested by the international expert committees for a routine IAP monitoring is the closed-system repeated measurement technique, using intrabladder pressure measurement. When intrabladder pressure measurement is contra-indicated (e.g. past medical history of bladder pathology, bladder and pelvic trauma, neurogenic bladder, post-radic bladder, haematuria, prostate and low-urologic surgery…), intragastric pressure measurement should be used.