Emergency Surgery

Abstract

The indications for emergency surgical treatment in visceral surgery are often grouped under the general heading of “acute abdomen.” The acute abdomen is a challenging surgical scenario. Therefore, every effort should be made to arrive at a correct diagnosis, which varies greatly depending on age and gender. Appendicitis is more common in young patients, biliary disease, intestinal ischemia or diverticulitis are more common in older patients. Abdominal compartment syndrome represents an independent entity that usually develops after previous surgery or intervention. Because of the mainly surgical strategy of treatment, a prompt diagnostic workup should be performed. Laboratory chemistry and instrumental investigations are usually necessary and should be guided by the history and clinical examination.