The acute abdomin Flashcards
1
Q
What is the acute abdomen?
A
A combination of symptoms and signs, including abdominal pain, which results in a patient being referred for an urgent general surgical opinion.
2
Q
What is the aetiology of the acute abdomen?
A
- Non-specific pain
- Acute appendicitis
- Acute cholecystitis/ colic
- Peptic ulcer perforation
- Urinary retention
- Acute pancreatitis
- Small bowel obstruction
- Trauma
- Urinary stone
- Large bowel obstruction
- Acute diverticulitis
- Malignancy
- Medical disorders
- Vascular conditions
- Gynecological conditions
3
Q
What are the routes of infection of the peritoneum?
A
- Perforation of GI/ biliary tract
- Female genital tract
- Penetration of abdominal wall
- Haematogenous spread
4
Q
What are the cardinal features of intestinal obstruction?
A
- Pain
- Vomiting
- Distension
- Constipation
- Borborygmi
