ACUTE ABDOMEN: FUNDAMENTALS AND CURRENT APPROACH

Abstract

Acute abdomen is a common clinical syndrome in emergency care settings, characterized by sudden or recent-onset abdominal pain, with or without systemic or peritoneal signs, and may represent conditions requiring either clinical management or immediate surgical intervention. It is a highly relevant condition due to its broad etiological spectrum, potential for rapid deterioration, and substantial risk of complications when diagnosis is delayed. This chapter discusses the main foundations of acute abdomen, emphasizing the comparison among its five classic types,  inflammatory, obstructive, perforative, hemorrhagic, and vascular,  highlighting their clinical particularities, severity, and prognostic implications. The principles of initial clinical management are also addressed, including hemodynamic stabilization, early analgesia, serial reassessment, and timely definition of the need for specialized intervention. In addition, the main diagnostic elements are reviewed, considering history taking, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging methods, especially ultrasonography and computed tomography. Based on recent evidence, a structured and standardized approach improves diagnostic accuracy, reduces therapeutic delays, and contributes to better clinical outcomes. Therefore, an integrated understanding of acute abdomen is essential for safe, timely, and effective medical practice.