Measurement of bladder pressure via an indwelling urinary bladder catheter is a simple and effective way to indirectly measure intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Currently this approach is considered the reference standard for the measurement of IAP. Serial monitoring of bladder pressures is useful in detecting the onset of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the progression to the more severe condition abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).1 –3 

IAH is defined as an elevation of IAP to greater than 12 mm Hg or a measured abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) of less than 60 mm Hg. APP is derived as the difference between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and IAP (APP = MAP-IAP). ACS is defined as IAH and the presence of associated organ system dysfunction.

IAH and ACS were originally described in trauma patients with abdominal injury; however, these conditions may occur in both surgical and medical populations.4,5 IAH and ACS...

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