Surgical Critical Care Glossary

A condition where increased pressure within the abdominal cavity causes organ dysfunction and compromised circulation.

Sustained intra-abdominal pressure ≥12 mmHg, a precursor to abdominal compartment syndrome requiring monitoring and inte...

Transition period as patients regain consciousness and protective reflexes following general anesthesia.

Physical examination finding describing a soft, edematous abdominal wall that feels spongy to palpation.

Pressure measurement in the central venous system used to assess intravascular volume status and cardiac preload.

Acute condition where increased pressure within muscle compartments compromises circulation and tissue function.

Slow, continuous form of dialysis used in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.

The delivery of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract via feeding tubes or oral intake.

Advanced life support technique providing temporary cardiac and respiratory support using an external oxygenation circui...

Controlled resuscitation strategy maintaining lower-than-normal blood pressure to minimize bleeding in trauma patients.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia developing 48+ hours after endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Emergency procedure using an endovascular balloon to temporarily occlude aortic blood flow in hemorrhagic shock.

Surgical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing and prevent infection.

Therapeutic cooling protocol for comatose patients following cardiac arrest to improve neurologic outcomes.

The gradual process of reducing mechanical ventilatory support to assess a patient's ability to breathe independently.