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Published on: February 10, 2023
Surgical causes of upper abdominal pain
Natalie Zantuck1, May-Ling Wong, Sean Mackay
1Austin Hospital, Monash University, Department of Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria.
Background:
In Australia, abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in the general practice setting. Identifying a surgical cause is important and warrants prompt specialist referral.
Objective:
This article outlines common surgical causes of upper abdominal pain. We include differential diagnoses, relevant investigations and approach to patient management.
Discussion:
Gallstones and peptic disease are common surgical causes of upper abdominal pain. A diagnosis should be made with careful clinical assessment and appropriate investigations. However, a considerable proportion of patients will be investigated for 'surgical' causes and remain undiagnosed. Irritable bowel syndrome should be considered in these cases.
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