Abdominal pain critical pathways

Abdominal pain Microchapters
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Patient Information
Overview
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes Diffuse Abdominal Pain Left Upper Quadrant Left Flank Left Lower Quadrant Epigastric Quadrant Umbilical Region Pelvic Region Right Upper Quadrant Right Flank Right Lower Quadrant Intraperitoneal Extraperitoneal
Differentiating Abdominal pain from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
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Treatment
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Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
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Case #1
Abdominal pain On the Web
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Abdominal pain All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
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CDC on Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain in the news
Blogs on Abdominal pain
Directions to Hospitals Treating Abdominal pain
Risk calculators and risk factors for Abdominal pain

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Definition

• Acute abdomen is defined as severe localized or generalized abdominal pain with abdominal rigidity. It is less than 24 hours in duration and may require surgical evaluation and intervention.

• Duration of abdominal pain
  • Acute: several days
  • Subacute: more than several days but less than 6 months
  • Chronic: more than six months, either constantly or intermittently

• Immunocompromised and older patients may have atypical patterns of presentation.