Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy

Abstract

The diagnosis and important aspects in treating acute abdomen tend to be delayed due to the peculiar physiological features of pregnancy and the restrictions imposed on image diagnostic techniques such as x-ray and CT. Physicians should pay attention in this regard as any delay may seriously deteriorate the condition of both mother and fetus. Detailed questioning of the patient and abdominal findings, especially information obtained by palpation, are considered essential in making a diagnosis and determining proper treatment. Ultrasonography is noninvasive to both the mother and fetus and is useful for diagnosing illness during pregnancy, including acute abdomen, acute appendicitis, and ileus. In treating the pregnant patient, high priority should be placed on improving the patient’s condition and determining the necessity of surgery. Rather than postpone the decision to opt for surgery, the physician in charge is advised to seek additional professional opinions and enlist the support of other surgeons in order to arrive at earlier diagnosis and treatment.