The concept of the acute abdomen
Hofmann-von Kap-herr, S.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 1991: 113-115
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0942-2854 PMID: 1793895 Document Number: 379450
The term "acute abdomen" stands for a group of abdominal symptoms which rapidly get worse and therefore require immediate treatment--especially conditions associated with peritonitis, ileus or massive bleeding. No time should be wasted on lengthy diagnosis or organizational problems. In the majority of cases a simple clinical diagnosis gives sufficient indication for surgery. Various manifestations simulating acute abdomen in children are discussed in order to prevent unnecessary laparotomy.