Acute abdomen from a anesthesiological viewpoint
Acute abdomen is one of the classic cases of acute medicine. Due to the threat of serious complications it is necessary to recognize it early and treat appropriately. In the case of surgical intervention, the patient is at high risk of aspiration of gastric contents during induction of general anesthesia. Our algorithm focuses on the topic from the perspective of anesthesiologist, especially on the correct rapid induction of anesthesia (Rapid Sequence Induction-RSI, flash introduction, crush introduction).
Review
The acute abdomen algorithm is a general overview for medical students and junior anaesthetists which for most will be part of everyday clinical practice. It´s structure leads the reader to final diagnosis covering past medical history, physical examination and additional findings. It also covers detailed anaesthetic management with maximum safety precautions in acute patient. Mastering the rapid sequence induction technique and safe anaesthesia awakening is a must for any anaesthetist. At the end we mention effective postoperative analgesia strategy. I hope that the reader will get some basic overview about the topic after the successful accomplishment.
Sources
BROWN, Calvin A. Encyclopedia of Intensive Care Medicine. 2012, 4, 1952-1954. ISBN 9783642004186
CHROBÁK, Ladislav. Propedeutika vnitřního lékařství: nové, zcela přepracované vydání doplněné testy. 2. vyd. Praha: Grada, 2007. ISBN 978-80-247-1309-0
