title: Management of the acute abdomen. A test of judgement.
abstract: Most patients with abdominal pain do not need an operation, but identification of those who do is an important role for the primary care physician. A carefully performed physical examination in conjunction with selected laboratory tests usually establishes the general diagnosis and allows the physician to decide among management alternatives. These include early operation, observation, or further evaluation using special studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hiatt
mesh_terms: D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination