Abstract
Introduction: 7% of the patients come to the emergency department with the chief complain of acute abdominal pain. They can have minor causes, but also be due to very serious causes, which requires urgency in care and serious diagnosis and management. Acute abdominal emergencies are a big contributor to morbidity and mortality.
Aim of the work: In this study, we aim to understand the standard way to approach a case of acute abdominal pain in the emergency department.
Methodology: we conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE from January 1970 to March 2017. The following search terms were used: acute abdomen, abdominal pain management, clinical evaluation of abdominal pain, management acute abdomen
Conclusion: Acute abdomen is an extremely common presentation in the emergency department. However, it is not easy to assess, diagnose, and manage. Rate of misdiagnoses and fatalities are high; therefore, physicians should always consider all possible and start with more serious etiologies. Proper assessment and management of acute abdomen can lead to significant improvement of morbidity and mortality.