RT Book, Section A1 Greco, Elisa F. A1 Bohnen, John M. A. A2 Hall, Jesse B. A2 Schmidt, Gregory A. A2 Kress, John P. SR Print(0) ID 1107712540 T1 The Acute Abdomen and Intra-abdominal Sepsis T2 Principles of Critical Care, 4e YR 2015 FD 2015 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9780071738811 LK accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1107712540 RD 2024/03/29 AB The acute abdomen presents in unusual ways in the intensive care unit (ICU).Successful management depends on prompt diagnosis and management; the intensivist, surgeon, gastroenterologist, and radiologist must collaborate effectively.Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography should be used liberally to evaluate abdominal conditions.Complications occur frequently in the postsurgical ICU patient; “stable vital signs” does not imply clinical stability.Postoperative residual or recurrent intra-abdominal sepsis may not be obvious clinically or radiographically; cardiorespiratory or other organ dysfunction should prompt a search for the source that will require resuscitation, antibiotics, and source controlThe treatment of the febrile postsurgical patient is not simply the administration of antibiotics.Acalculous cholecystitis is a treacherous disease that requires urgent treatment; definitive diagnosis is not always possible or necessary before treatment.Abdominal wall tissue loss or tension may preclude fascial closure at laparotomy. ICU staff must understand and manage postoperatively techniques to protect intestinal integrity and cardiopulmonary function, such as temporary closure and vacuum dressings.