The non traumatic acute abdomen and its clinical spectrum

Abstract

Background: Acute abdomen poses a big challenge to the general surgeons in terms of both diagnosis and management. The aim of this study was to know in detail the clinical and postoperative outcome in non traumatic acute abdomen.Methods: Prospectively collected data of 326 patients with non traumatic acute abdomen admitted in PES institute of medical sciences and research, Kuppam from November 2016 to June 2018. All patients were subjected to clinical examination, relevant blood and imaging investigations, Intra and postoperative findings events were recorded.Results: Non traumatic acute abdominal pain was more common in 2nd to 5th decade of life. Males are more affected than females with a male to female ratio of 3.4:1. Acute appendicitis forms the commonest cause of acute abdomen (n=160=49%) followed by perforative peritonitis (n=85=26%). Most common surgical procedures done were laparoscopic/open appendectomy for acute appendicitis, exploratory laparotomy with Graham’s omentoplasty for perforative peritonitis.Conclusions: Systematic approach in history taking and a proper clinical examination with supportive imaging findings are most important in making an accurate diagnosis and need of appropriate surgical intervention in patients with non traumatic acute abdomen.