Intra-abdominal pressure measurement using a modified nasogastric tube: description and validation of a new technique.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the accuracy of an intragastric method of measuring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP).

DESIGN

Prospective sequential study with simultaneous paired measurement of gastric and urinary bladder pressures.

SETTING

Operating theatre, University Teaching Hospital.

PATIENTS

9 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied.

INTERVENTIONS

Intraperitoneal pressures were monitored during peritoneal insufflation at laparoscopy up to a pressure of 20 mmHg.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Intra-abdominal pressure measurements were recorded simultaneously using a gastric balloon and urinary catheter. Gastric pressure may be up to 4 mmHg higher or 3 mmHg lower than urinary bladder pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-abdominal pressure can be measured easily in this new fashion, allowing a continuous pressure trend to be obtained without interfering with urinary output estimation.