Surgical causes of upper abdominal pain.
BACKGROUND
In Australia, abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in the general practice setting. Identifying a surgical cause is important and warrants prompt specialist referral.


OBJECTIVE
This article outlines common surgical causes of upper abdominal pain. We include differential diagnoses, relevant investigations and approach to patient management.


CONCLUSIONS
Gallstones and peptic disease are common surgical causes of upper abdominal pain. A diagnosis should be made with careful clinical assessment and appropriate investigations. However, a considerable proportion of patients will be investigated for 'surgical' causes and remain undiagnosed. Irritable bowel syndrome should be considered in these cases.
Zantuck
Natalie
N
Austin Hospital, Monash University, Department of Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria.
Wong
May-Ling
ML
Mackay
Sean
S
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications