Welcome!
The World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) welcomes you to sunny Orlando, Florida for the Fifth World Congress on the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WCACS). This meeting promises to be one of the most influential and exciting scientific meetings of 2011.
The scientific program has been organized to highlight the current state-of-the-art management of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) through plenary sessions with recognized world experts, abstract presentations from IAH/ACS investigators worldwide, patient case scenarios to illustrate key management points, and pro/con debates to describe patient care controversies. The meeting schedule allows ample family time each day to visit one of the many Disney theme parks during special park hours open only to participants staying at one of the meeting's hotels. In addition to the family holiday time outlined above, a wonderful social program is planned that culminates in the Society's biannual Gala Dinner, an event that you will not want to miss!
ACS is a potentially preventable and often unrecognised disease process that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent prospective trials have demonstrated a significant improvement in patient survival and outcome when the Society's management algorithms and consensus recommendations statements are implemented. The WSACS is excited to host the Second International Conference of Experts on IAH/ACS during the Fifth WCACS and looks forward to the presentation of the newly revised consensus definitions and recommendations statements.
Come and join us in Orlando for the Fifth WCACS! You will have a memorable and rewarding experience that will allow you to "make a difference" in your patient's lives for years to come!
Michael L. Cheatham, MD, FACS, FCCM
President, World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
Organising Committee
Dr. Zsolt Balogh, Australia
Dr. Martin Bjorck, Sweden
Dr. Scott D’Amours, Australia
Dr. Bart DeKeulenaer, Australia
Dr. Jan De Waele, Belgium
Dr. Rao Ivatury, USA
Dr. Andrew Kirkpatrick, Canada
Dr. Ari Leppaniemi, Finland
Dr. Manu Malbrain, Belgium
Mr. Michael Sugrue, Ireland