Acute abdominal pain from a pediatric perspective

An acute complaint of abdominal pain precipitates approximately 5% of unscheduled pediatric visits. However, in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain the frequency of disease requiring surgical intervention may be as low as 1%. The diverse etiologies include acute surgical emergencies, disorders that will or may require surgical intervention and specific intra-abdominal, extra-intestinal, systemic and gynecological disorders. In most instances a detailed clinical history, careful analysis of the pain character and physical examination are the cornerstones of a timely diagnosis. The aim of this article is to provide a consistent approach with a diagnostic algorithm. Provision of early and efficient analgesia appears to be safe, reasonable and in the best interests of patients, even those with undifferentiated acute abdominal pain.