Abdominal compartment syndrome during hip arthroscopy for an acetabular fracture: a case report

Background We encountered a case of abdominal compartment syndrome during hip arthroscopic surgery, caused by the irrigation fluid flowing into the peritoneal cavity. Case presentation A 47-year-old male patient with the acetabulum fracture underwent open reduction and internal fixation with hip arthroscopy. Hypothermia, increased airway pressure (under volume-controlled ventilation) and oliguria were observed during the operation, and arterial blood gas analysis showed decreased oxygenation and metabolic acidosis. Abdominal distention was observed, and a postoperative CT revealed accumulation of a large volume of irrigation fluid in the peritoneal cavity and retroperitoneum. The patient was diagnosed as having abdominal compartment syndrome and treated by percutaneous peritoneal drainage. His subsequent course was uneventful, and he was discharged 8 weeks after the operation. Intraperitoneal extravasation of irrigation fluid may occur during hip arthroscopic surgery, and is more likely to occur in the presence of an injury. Conclusion Anesthesiologists should be aware of the possible occurrence of the abdominal compartment syndrome during hip arthroscopic surgery and ensure that it is detected early.