title: The acute abdomen. An overview and algorithms.
abstract: The diagnosis and management of the patient with an acute abdomen remains one of the most difficult challenges for the surgeon. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the abdomen are essential to properly generate a differential diagnosis and to formulate a treatment plan. While recent advances in technology can be extremely helpful in certain situations, they cannot replace a physician's clinical judgment based upon a good history and physical examination. This article provides a general overview of the evaluation of the patient with an acute abdomen. It will also suggest algorithms to consider in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Surgery, Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospitals, Portland, USA.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000465:Algorithms; D003657:Decision Making; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010808:Physical Examination