acute abdomen Flashcards
definition of acute abdomen
A combination of symptoms and signs, including abdominal pain, which results in a patient being referred for an urgent general surgical opinion.
aetiology of acute abdomen
non specific pain
acute appendicitis
acute cholecystitis
peptic ulcer perforation
pathophysiology of acute abdomen
peritonitis
intestinal obstruction
abdominal pain
how many layers does peritoneum have?
2
how permeable is the membrane of peritoneum
semi
routes of infection of peritonitis
Perforation of GI/ biliary tract
Female genital tract
Penetration of abdominal wall
Haematogenous spread
generalised peritonitis represents failure of localisation and occurs when:
contamination too rapid
contamination persists
abscess ruptures
cardinal features of intestinal obstruction
Pain Vomiting Distension Constipation Borborygmi
charcters of pain in the abdomen?
Visceral
ii. Somatic
iii. Referred
management of acute abdomen
assess
investigate
observe
treat
investigation of acute abdomen
Ward tests: urine
Lab tests: FBC, U+E, LFT
Radiology: plain,US, axial (CT) ?other
Laparoscopy vs. laparotomy
resuscitation of acute abdomen
Restore circulating fluid volume Ensure tissue perfusion Enhance tissue oxygenation Treat sepsis Decompress gut Ensure adequate pain relief
treatment of acute abdomen
Pain relief Antibiotics Definitive interventions- i.e.surgery Be “tough on sepsis and the causes of sepsis!” “Keep it simple, stupid!”
