This review presents an overview of previously reported non-invasive intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement techniques. Each section covers the basic physical principles and methodology of the various measurement techniques, the experimental results, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

The most promising non-invasive methods for IAP measurement are microwave reflectometry and ultrasound assessment, in combination with an applied external force.

Around 25% of critically ill patients suffer from intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), defined as a sustained increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) equal to or above 12 mmHg.

More than half of the patients hospitalized in ICUs will develop IAH within the first week.

Currently, wireless motility capsules, digital image correlation, and laser ultrasound cannot be proposed as the best measurement techniques, mainly due to the lack of validation and clinical research.

Respiratory inductance plethysmography, the use of a strain gauge and Doppler ultrasound tonometry for IAP estimation are not reliable or accurate enough to be used in clinical practice.

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