Abstract

Bilateral ureteral obstruction due to traumatic pelvic haematoma and increased pressure in the retroperitoneal space constitute an acute pelvic compartment syndrome. We systematically reviewed the available evidence concerning pelvic compartment syndrome using an online search of the MEDLINE databases OVID and PubMed. There were nine cases of pelvic compartment syndrome. A motor vehicle accident was the most frequent cause of pelvic compartment syndrome. Diagnosis was made using clinical and radiological methods in all cases. Treatment was by surgical decompression in 88% of cases. Observed complications were neurological deficits (44%), muscle atrophy (33%), and renal failure (33%). Pelvic compartment syndrome is as serious as the more common compartment syndromes, requiring high vigilance for diagnosis and surgical decompression for treatment.