ACUTE ABDOMEN: STRATEGIES AND INDICATIONS FOR SURGICAL TREATMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/ERR01v10n5-016Keywords:
Acute Abdomen, Surgical Treatment, Laparoscopy, Damage Control Surgery, Diagnosis, Surgical EmergencyAbstract
Acute abdomen is a serious clinical syndrome characterized by sudden and severe abdominal pain, accounting for a significant proportion of emergency department visits. Given its high morbidity and mortality, which increases with delayed treatment, a rapid and structured diagnostic and therapeutic approach is essential. This paper, a narrative review of the literature, summarizes the main strategies and indications for surgical treatment. The causes of acute abdomen are varied, including inflammation, ischemia, obstruction, and hemorrhage, with acute appendicitis being the most common etiology globally. Diagnosis presents particular challenges in populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, due to atypical clinical presentations. Laparoscopy has established itself as an essential tool, both for the diagnosis of uncertain cases and for definitive treatment. For critically ill patients, such as those in septic shock, damage control surgery (DCS) is a vital strategy that improves outcomes by shortening the initial procedure. Prognosis is directly linked to rapid diagnosis and early intervention, reinforcing the need for well-defined protocols.
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References
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