PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “ABDOMEN”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Acute surgical abdomen in systemic lupus erythematosus--an analysis of 10 cases.

Gastrointestinal manifestations in a lupus patient may be due to different aetiologies such as vasculitis or a surgical condition. Problems of diagnosis are frequently encountered because the clinical presentations may mimic each other. We analysed ten lupus patients with acute surgical abdomen to identify the clinical, laboratory and radiological features that may aid in early diagnosis and management. Three patients with surgical abdomen had concomitant active lupus. Intra-abdominal sepsis and bleeding peptic ulcer disease constituted two major causes of laparotomies. Overt signs of peritonitis might not be present due to steroid masking effect. There were no specific clinical features, laboratory or radiological tests that could distinguish gastrointestinal vasculitis from acute surgical abdomen. Blood cultures, C-reactive protein and CT abdomen were useful adjuncts in the management of abdominal sepsis. No correlation was found between the timing of surgery, mortality, steroid dosage and wound complication.

Abdomen, Acute↗

[Rules and procedures in the diagnosis and medical (non-surgical) treatment of acute abdomen].

The acute abdomen is due to a medical disorder or surgical problems. Diagnosis is often difficult; acute diseases of the lung, chest, kidney, for example, may closely mimic primary diseases of the abdomen and can masquerade as surgical abdomen. The history assumes overwhelming importance, a careful physical examination is absolutely essential. It is incumbent upon the physician first to decide what is the most likely diagnosis to be correct; and then to undertake treatment indicated for that diagnosis. The laboratory studies, x-ray studies, echography, abdominal paracentesis and other diagnostic approaches may be indicated, when the diagnosis may still be obscure. In the course of the investigation of a patient with acute abdomen, the immediate goals are the correction of dehydration, electrolyte depletion and other problems. It is extremely important that no analgesics or sedatives ever be given until a decision is made as to a proper working diagnosis.

Abdomen, Acute↗

[Acute abdomen: emergency laparoscopy or observation?].

Acute abdomen accounts for 13-40% of all emergency surgical admissions. The aim of this prospective randomised controlled study was to examine the role of early laparoscopy in the management of acute abdomen compared with the more traditional active observation approach. From July 1993 to August 2004, 522 patients consecutively admitted with acute abdomen were randomised to either early laparoscopy (260 patients) (group 1) or active observation and non-invasive investigation (262 patients) (group 2). Baseline investigations included a full blood count, a pregnancy test in women of child-bearing age, and chest and/or abdominal radiography, if indicated clinically. Sixty-two patients in the laparoscopy group underwent a total of 116 radiological investigations compared with a total of 558 investigations in all patients in the observation group (p < 0.05). In the observation group, 34.7% of patients remained without a clear diagnosis compared with 4.2% of patients in the early laparoscopy group (p < 0.0001). The morbidity rate was 1.1% in group 1 and 27% in group 2 (p < 0.0001). The duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (3.1 vs 7.3 days) (p < 0.01). Eight patients in group 1 required readmission (total readmission: 46 days) compared with 58 patients in group 2 with a total readmission of 201 days (p < 0.05). Early laparoscopy is valuable in the management of acute abdomen. It affords significantly higher diagnostic accuracy and a greater improvement in quality of life than the more traditional observation approach.

Abdomen, Acute↗

[A case report of two incidents of acute abdomen in a woman during pregnancy and in the early puerperium].

The authors present a case of a 32 year old pregnant woman who is admitted to the Obstetric clinic in the 16th gestational week with a pain in the ileoceacal region of the abdomen and vomitting. The woman has clinical signs of acute abdomen. A clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis was suggested. During the operation under general anesthesia was found a phlegmonous inflammation of a Mekel diverticulus with perforation as well as local peritonitis and a catharal inflammation of the appendix. The appendix and the Mekel diverticle were removed during the operation. No comlications were observed during the post operative period. No fetal distress was observed during and after the operation Three months later the same patient was admitted to the obstetric clinic in the 32nd gestational week with a diagnosis Threatened premature delivery in ml VIII status post resection of a Mekel diverticle and appendectomy. The patient had pain to the right of the umbilicus and vomiting. The labor was induced and a viable premature infant was born. Two days after delivery there was again a clinical symptoms and signs of an acute abdomen due to ileus. A strangulation of the terminal ileum was found due to adhesions A Debridman and a lavage were performed No complications were observed during the postoperative period. The authors discuss the difficulties which might ensue when the diagnosis acute abdomen is made in a pregnant woman

Abdomen, Acute↗

Ovarian dysgerminoma and acute abdomen.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian dysgerminoma cases are very rarely presented together with acute abdomen. The purpose of this study is to present dysgerminoma ovarii with abdominal pain in lower right abdominal part after abdominal trauma as an abdominal emergency. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our 12-year old female patient was admitted to our hospital after traffic accident with abdominal trauma. On physical examination the abdomen was acute and the mass in lower abdomen was palpated. Ultrasound and CT examinations showed the presence of large, multilobulated and predominantly solid pelvic mass. Fluid was found in the lower part of pelvis. Immediate exploratory laparotomy was performed. It exposed a superficial actively bleeding tumour vessel. We stopped the bleeding and did a biopsy of the tumour because it was too big for surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Ovarian dysgerminoma should be part of the differential diagnosis in female children with acute surgical abdomen when a solid mass is detected by ultrasonographic scan (Fig. 4, Ref. 11).

Abdomen, Acute↗

[Diagnostic laparoscopy in nontraumatic acute abdomen].

Laparoscopy was performed in 49 patients admitted to the Emergency Service of Hospital das Clínicas of the Medical School of the University of São Paulo with a possible diagnosis of acute non traumatic abdomen. The procedure was indicated because routine clinical and laboratory investigations had proved inconclusive. Accuracy (96%), sensitivity (97.5%), specificity (89%) and positive (97.5%) and negative (89%) predictive values of laparoscopy were assessed in 41 patients with a clinical suspicion of inflammatory acute abdomen, in 5 with a clinical diagnosis of vascular abdomen, in 1 with a perforative acute abdomen, and in 2 patients to assess the viability of the small bowel after and intestinal resection due to mesenteric ischemia. Laparoscopy proved to be a reliable and simple procedure which facilitated the choice of the best therapeutic alternative in each case. A significant number of unnecessary laparotomies was avoided. No complications imputable to laparoscopy were observed in this series.

Abdomen, Acute↗

An experience with diagnostic paracentesis in 100 cases of acute abdomen.

Prognosis of acute surgical conditions of abdomen of both traumatic and non-traumatic origin depends on accurate diagnosis and early surgical intervention. However, the diagnosis in acute abdomen is quite difficult. The problem becomes more complex when 24 hours services of radiology and laboratories are not available. Abdominal tap gives a valuable clue to diagnosis. A 10 ml syringe fitted with a 20 gauge intravenous needle was used for the purpose. Both the flanks and the four quadrants of the abdomen were selected for site of the tap according to the suspected pathology. Results were indicated as positive when abnormal fluid (clear, turbid, purulent, bloody, serosanguinous, bile stained and urine, etc) were aspirated. Accurate diagnosis were made in 84.3% in blunt abdominal trauma and 76.47% in non-traumatic acute abdomen. High incidence of accurate results were obtained in gastroduodenal perforations (92%), ruptured ectopic gestation (100%) and burst amoebic liver abscess (100%). The procedure is very simple which could be done at bed side without much disturbance to the severely ill patients. It is safe and free from any complications even if the bowel is also punctured during the tap.

Abdomen, Acute↗

The open management of the septic abdomen.

The mortality rate of severe intra-abdominal infections is still very high. The open management of the abdomen is a method of treatment which has gained popularity over the past few years. Its advantages include a better drainage of the peritoneal cavity, a greater protection of the parietes, an improved perfusion of the abdominal viscera and a decrease in postoperative pulmonary complications. It is indicated in patients with severe intra-abdominal sepsis, especially when multiple re-explorations of the abdomen are likely. A variety of techniques, including the use of Marlex mesh have been devised to contend with possible complications: spontaneous fistulas, exogenous bacterial contamination, evisceration and massive fluid losses. The open method of management has not made the treatment of septic abdomen much easier; it requires intensive care support and repeated assessment of the peritoneal cavity. The closure of the abdomen is a problem which must be addressed when the sepsis has subsided. The value of this technique is still difficult to assess in the absence of controlled randomized trials.

Abdomen↗

[Is medical/surgical false acute abdomen a clinical reality?].

The false acute abdomen is a real Clinic picture. In pur experience it represents the 0.63% of acute surgical abdomen. Sometimes diagnosis could escage because patient's erethism. To obviate this event surgeons must reach a detailed history, perform a complete pshysical examination and repeat clinical evaluation many times above all when then the clinical picture is dubious. Laboratory and instrumental tests could be useful to reach accurate diagnosis. However, in our opinion, when clinical and physical examination are unclear, sometimes in spite of disappointment of other physicians, do explorative laparotomy is better is than non-treatment of an acute surgical abdomen. False acute abdomen.

Abdomen, Acute↗

Laparoscopic anatomy of the abdomen in dorsally recumbent horses.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an accurate and detailed description of the laparoscopic anatomy of the abdomen of horses positioned in dorsal recumbency and to compare those observations with laparoscopic anatomy of standing horses. The effects of laparoscopy and positional changes on arterial blood pressure and blood gas values also were investigated. DESIGN: Descriptive anatomic study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Laparoscopy was performed on 6 horses (2 mares, 2 geldings, and 2 stallions) to record the normal laparoscopic anatomy of the abdomen in dorsal recumbency. PROCEDURE: Feed was withheld from all horses for 36 hours. Horses, under general anesthesia, were examined in horizontal and inclined positions (head-up and head-down). Intermittent positive-pressure ventilation was used, arterial blood pressure was continuously monitored, and samples for arterial blood gas measurements were taken at intervals. RESULTS: The main structures of diagnostic relevance observed in the caudal region of the abdomen were the urinary bladder, mesorchium and ductus deferens (left and right), left and right vaginal rings, insertion of the pre-pubic tendon, random segments of jejunum and descending colon, pelvic flexure of the ascending colon, body of the cecum, and cecocolic fold. The main structures observed in the cranial region of the abdomen were ventral surface of the diaphragm, falciform ligament and round ligaments of the liver, ventral portion of the left lateral, left medial, quadrate, and right lateral lobes of the liver, spleen, right and left ventral colons, sternal flexure of the ascending colon, apex of the cecum, and stomach. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in cardiovascular and respiratory function in response to pneumoperitoneum and various positional changes indicated the need for continuous and thorough anesthetic monitoring and support. Comparison of anatomic observations made in dorsally recumbent, inclined horses with those reported for standing horses should enable practitioners to make patient positioning decisions that best suit access to specific visceral structures. Development of special instrumentation for manipulation of the viscera in horses, particularly the intestinal tract, would increase the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of laparoscopy during dorsal recumbency.

Abdomen↗

Clostridium difficile colitis presenting as an acute abdomen: case report and review of the literature.

Pseudomembranous colitis associated with Clostridium difficile rarely manifests as an acute abdomen and even more rarely as an acute abdomen without abnormal radiologic studies. The following is a case report of a 52-year-old white man who had an acute abdomen without abnormal radiologic studies, and was given a final diagnosis of C difficile colitis. Surgery was averted only by the ability to do an expeditious flexible sigmoidoscopy with the visualization of pseudomembranes. Diagnosis was later confirmed by a positive toxin assay and culture of C difficile. Treatment for C difficile colitis is usually medical, with oral vancomycin the preferred agent. Surgery may be needed when there is an acute abdomen with other systemic signs (fever or leukocytosis) or abnormal radiologic studies.

Abdomen, Acute↗

Helicobacter pylori and recurrent pain abdomen.

OBJECTIVE: Pain abdomen is a common problem in childhood. Many factors i.e., organic changes in the gut, psychological and environment contribute to recurrent pain abdomen (RAP) in children. Helicobacter pylori infects children very early in childhood and stays indefinitely in the gut without its eradication. It may be responsible for pain abdomen and peptic ulcers in children. This study was done to assess the HP status in children with RAP diagnosed and evaluate the effects of eradication of HP infection in them. METHODS: 76 children were included in the study. RESULT: Out of 76 children studied 14.8% had evidence of a secondary cause for pain abdomen and responded to appropriate therapy. 65.45% of children who had undergone UGIE, had evidence of HP infection in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Most of these children responded to HP eradication therapy by becoming free of abdominal pain after the eradication therapy with OCA or OMA regimen. We could not do repeated endoscopies in all of them to prove the eradication due to parents' refusal and this is the main drawback of this study. CONCLUSION: However, in view of clinical response to HP eradication therapy in almost all the cases, we strongly advocate this therapy for those children with RAP, in whom HP infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract can be established beyond doubt.

Abdominal Pain↗

Open abdomen management after massive bowel resection for superior mesenteric arterial occlusion.

PURPOSE: Massive bowel resection is often performed for superior mesenteric arterial (SMA) occlusion, resulting in short bowel syndrome. We conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness of open abdomen management to monitor the blood flow of the remnant bowel and anastomoses. METHODS: We treated five of seven patients with SMA occlusion by open abdomen management, with or without mesh, using a zipper, which we opened daily to monitor the blood flow around the anastomotic site. RESULTS: None of the five patients treated by open abdomen management required re-resection of the remnant bowel and they were all discharged from hospital in a stable condition. CONCLUSION: Open abdomen management proved extremely useful for monitoring blood flow to the anastomotic site and for allowing complete drainage into the abdominal space. Using this method would assist in leaving as much remnant bowel as possible after resection for SMA occlusion.

Aged↗

One hundred percent fascial approximation with sequential abdominal closure of the open abdomen.

BACKGROUND: Damage-control surgery and the recognition of the abdominal compartment syndrome have improved patient outcomes but at the cost of an open abdomen. Multiple techniques have been introduced to obtain fascial closure for the open abdomen to minimize morbidity and cost of care. We performed a modification of the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) technique that provided constant fascial tension, hypothesizing this would result in a higher rate of primary fascial closure. METHODS: After initial temporary closure of the abdomen after post-injury damage control or decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome, we began the sequential closure technique. The technique begins by covering the bowel with the multiple white sponges overlapped like patchwork, and the fascia is placed under moderate tension over the white sponges with #1-PDS sutures. Large black VAC sponges are placed on top of the white sponges and affixed with an occlusive dressing and standard suction tubing is placed. Patients are returned to the operating room for sequential fascial closure and replacement of the sponge sandwich every 2 days, with a resulting decrease in the fascial defect. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent sequential abdominal closure during the study period: 9 owing to damage control surgery and 5 owing to secondary abdominal compartment syndrome. Average time to closure was 7.5 +/- 1.0 days (range 4-16) and average number of laparotomies to closure was 4.6 +/- 0.5 (range 3-8). All patients attained primary fascial closure. CONCLUSION: We propose a modification of the previously described vacuum-assisted closure technique that achieves 100% fascial approximation in our limited experience. Further application and refinement of this technique may eliminate the need for delayed complex and costly reconstructive abdominal wall procedures for the open abdomen.

Abdominal Injuries↗

[Intraperitoneal chemo-hyperthermia with "overflow" open abdomen].

The authors report an original procedure of open-abdomen intraperitoneal chemo-hyperthermia. The skin edges are watertightly stapled with a soft "abdominal cavity expander", supported by a Thompson self-retaining retractor positioned over the abdomen. So, the level of the liquid can be widely raised above the level of the skin edges. The anterior wall peritoneum, the wall edges are constantly exposed to the liquid. Large amplitude movements become possible: introduction into the abdomen of two forearms, even two arms, does not induce loss of any liquid. The small bowel, the stomach can be partially exteriorized. It becomes very easy to expose all the peritoneal spaces, to maintain an homogeneous hyperthermia within the abdomen, while using only one inflow drain, and one outflow drain.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Novel approach to the treatment of intestinal fistula in the inaccessible abdomen: transbursal end-to-side duodenogastrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of enterocutaneous fistula in patients with intra-abdominal sepsis and a surgically inaccessible abdomen is frequently unsuccessful. METHODS: A new approach has been devised: total disconnection of the proximal digestive tract, which can be performed through the bursa omentalis without entering the scarred abdomen. RESULTS: The procedure was carried out in four patients with high-output small bowel fistula and an inaccessible abdomen. Output of fistulas stopped promptly, recovery from intra-abdominal sepsis was achieved, the abdomens became accessible again and continuity of the digestive tract could be restored in all patients after intervals of 2-5.5 months. CONCLUSION: Transbursal end-to-side duodenogastrostomy is a useful procedure when traditional surgical interventions have failed or cannot be applied.

Adult↗

["Abdominal dressing" - a new method of treatment for open abdomen following secondary peritonitis].

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of open abdomen following secondary peritonitis is a challenge for surgery and intensive care units (ICU). The aim of this study was to compare three different concurrent treatment strategies. METHODS: Patients suffering an open abdomen following surgery for secondary peritonitis at the Department of General Surgery from 01/01 to 12/03 were investigated. Factor studied: duration of open abdomen, incidence of multi-organ failure, need for surgical revisions, length of stay (LOS) in ICU, nursing requirements (change of dressing/day), survival and integrity of abdominal wall after discharge. Treatment strategies included: open packing (OP), classic vacuum assisted (V.A.C.(R))-therapy with silicone net protection for the intestine (CV) and V.A.C.(R)-therapy with "abdominal dressing" a newly developed meshed polyvinyl wrap (AD). RESULTS: 21 patients were studied: 5 patients were treated with OP, 8 patients with CV and 8 patients with AD. Mean LOS was 65 (OP) vs. 53 (CV) vs. 42 (AD) days (NS), peritonitis related death was 3 (OP) vs. 1 (CV) vs. 0 (AD) (p < 0.05 Chisquare test). Median nursing effort was 4 dressings/day (OP), 0.5 (CV) and 0.5 (AD) (p < 0.005 OP vs CV, AD Kruskal-Wallis test). CONCLUSION: The "abdominal dressing"-therapy seems to be a more efficient treatment option in patients suffering from open abdomen following secondary peritonitis. A trend towards shorter ICU-LOS, lower mortality rates and reduced nursing requirements support our hypothesis.

Critical Care↗

[Role of vacuum therapy in the management of the septic abdomen].

Progress in intensive care medicine contributed substantially in lowering the mortality rate of patients suffering from diffuse secondary peritonitis. In the medical care of patients presenting a septic abdomen the persisting septic focus is one of the greatest problems. This is associated with other problems like temporary closure of the abdomen, complications due to re-laparotomies, healing of the abdominal wall after soft tissue infection, loss of abdominal wall musculature, or persisting enteral fistulas. The vacuum therapy is used with increasing frequency for the treatment of septic complications in different areas of the body. The excellent drainage characteristics of the vacuum therapy appear to be a therapeutic option for the control of surgically untreatable septic processes in the abdominal cavity. More and more experience is gathered with the successful treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas, small intestine and pancreatic fistulas as well as anastomotic leakage after rectal surgery. There exist hardly any evidence-based recommendations for the application of vacuum therapy for treatment of the septic abdomen. But the good results of temporary closure of open abdomen of trauma patients by the vacuum therapy arises hope that the results can be transferred to the treatment modalities of persisting peritonitis. Additionally, these patients could profit from the drainage characteristics of the vacuum therapy.

Abdominal Wall↗