Purpose of Review <p>Understanding the pathophysiology and risk factors for developing abdominal compartment syndrome is paramount to early diagnosis and management.</p> Recent Findings <p>Continuous pressure monitoring and drainage with percutaneous catheter decompression (PCD) can potentially avoid open surgery and improve survival in patients with intraabdominal hypertension (IAH). Future research will elucidate these findings.</p> Summary <p>Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs when there is end organ dysfunction because of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Although this increase in pressure can be caused by an increase in extraluminal contents of the abdomen it is most frequently the result of systemic illnesses that necessitate massive fluid resuscitation. This leads to increased bowel edema and abdominal contents while also decreasing abdominal wall compliance. No matter what the etiology of ACS, it can lead to organ failure and death. Early recognition of ACS is necessary because early treatment is the best predictor of decreased morbidity and mortality.</p> Clinical Trial Number <p>Not applicable.</p>