ABSTRACT
In this chapter we review the clinical signs and symptoms of various gastrointestinal disorders that have an acute onset and can progress dramatically to involve the parietal or visceral peritoneum. Our aim is to help the pediatrician realize when a gastrointestinal condition changes from an indolent to an acute course, and when a surgeon should be consulted. We also describe some simple but important strategies that are helpful in reaching a diagnosis without delay, and in adequately preparing patients for either surgery or for one of the newer effective and less invasive non-surgical treatments.
