Abdominal pain (AP) is by far among the most common complaints in
healthcare institutions. Approximately every tenth patient in the acute setting is
estimated to present with AP. Although cultural, geographical and sociodemographic
variations exist, it is an outstanding complaint in all patient groups, independent of age
and gender. Although it can be a manifestation of an intraabdominal pathology itself, a
serious systemic or extraabdominal condition can be revealed following a thorough
investigation of AP. Therefore, it is vital to evaluate the patient systemically, a focused
but elaborate history, and extensive physical examination not confined to the abdomen
in order to establish important diagnoses. Inspection, auscultation, percussion,
superficial and deep palpation are important elements of the examination methods for
the abdomen. Each positive or negative finding on examination should be interpreted
cautiously for the individual patient. After history and evaluation narrow the list of
differential diagnoses (DD), ancillary investigations including laboratory tests and
radiological modalities can be ordered.
Keywords: Abdominal pain, Physical examination, Laboratory tests, Work up, Imaging, Differential diagnoses.
