Diagnostic approach and management of acute abdominal pain

Abstract

The incidence of acute abdominal pain ranges between 5-10% of all visits at emergency department. Abdominal emergencies of hospital visits may include surgical and non-surgical emergencies. The most common causes of acute abdomen are appendicitis, biliary colic, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, visceral perforation, pancreatitis, peritonitis, salpingitis, mesenteric adenitis and renal colic. Good skills in early diagnosis require a sound knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology of gastrointestinal tract, which are reflected during history taking and particularly, physical examination of the abdomen. Advanced diagnostic approaches such as radiography and endoscopy enhance the treatment for acute abdomen including pharmacological and surgical treatment. Therapeutic endoscopy, interventional radiology treatment and therapy using adult laparoscopy are the common modalities for treating patients with acute abdomen.