surgical abdomen

Introduction

Abdominal signs & symptoms warranting surgical consultation. (see abdominal pain)

Pathology

• abdominal inflammation
  • appendicitis
  • cholelithiasis
• intestinal perforation
• intestinal obstruction
• intestinal infarction
• rupture of abdominal organs

Clinical manifestations

• nausea, vomiting, & decreased appetite prior to abdominal pain suggest a non-surgical abdomen
• severe pain, vomiting, or obstipation in an elderly patient
• toxic patient who lies perfectly still so as to avoid further peritoneal irritation

Management

• surgical consultation

More general terms

• sign/symptom