ABSTRACT
Abdominal symptoms are a frequent cause for surgical consultation. The underlying cause may be acute, presenting with the euphemistically termed ‘acute abdomen’, subacute, indicating an evolving disorder, or long-standing, suggesting a functional or degenerative condition. Occasionally symptoms are due to disorders outside the abdomen, in which case the term ‘referred’ is used, for example epigastric pain experienced as a result of a myocardial infarction. At first presentation, a detailed clinical history and careful clinical examination are essential to establish a differential diagnosis which, in turn, leads to appropriate triage into urgent and non-urgent investigation and subsequent treatment.
