Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants01:19

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation01:23

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:28

Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion01:18

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Targeting PI3Kδ suppresses pancreatic cancer by dual disruption of fibrosis and immune evasion.

Cell reports·2026
Same author

RNF43 Mutations Are Associated With the Classical Molecular Subtype, Vigorous Antitumor Immune Responses, and Prolonged Survival in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Modern pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc·2026
Same author

Targeting PI3Kδ suppresses pancreatic cancer by dual disruption of fibrosis and immune evasion.

Cell reports·2026
Same author

Gastrointestinal Bleeding due to Intussuscepted Duodenal Lipoma: A Case Report.

Case reports in gastroenterology·2026
Same author

ASO Visual Abstract: Initiation and Completion of Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Total versus Partial Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer.

Annals of surgical oncology·2025
Same author

Initiation and Completion of Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Total Versus Partial Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer.

Annals of surgical oncology·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain
06:44

Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain

Published on: June 23, 2009

[Abdominal pain in the general doctor's practice].

Eliane Angst1, Corina Kim, Beat Gloor

  • 1Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin, Inselspital, Universität Bern.

Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|July 29, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Abdominal pain often isn't serious. General practitioners should differentiate inflammatory causes using history, exams, and labs, with ultrasound as a primary diagnostic tool. Surgery is typically reserved for symptomatic gallstones or specific gallbladder conditions.

More Related Videos

Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Due to the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
02:41

Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Due to the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Published on: May 3, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 30, 2026

Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain
06:44

Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain

Published on: June 23, 2009

Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Due to the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
02:41

Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Due to the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Published on: May 3, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Diagnostic Medicine

Context:

  • Abdominal pain is a common symptom encountered in primary care settings.
  • Differentiating between inflammatory and non-life-threatening causes is crucial for initial management.

Purpose:

  • To outline the diagnostic approach for abdominal pain in general practice.
  • To provide guidance on the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging and surgical intervention for gallbladder-related findings.

Summary:

  • The initial evaluation of abdominal pain relies on patient history, clinical examination, and laboratory tests to guide differential diagnosis.
  • Sonography is the recommended first-line imaging modality for investigating abdominal pain.
  • Surgical intervention for incidentally discovered gallstones is generally not indicated, except in specific cases like gallbladder polyps or wall calcifications.

Impact:

  • This approach aims to optimize diagnostic pathways, reduce unnecessary interventions, and improve patient outcomes for common abdominal complaints.
  • Provides evidence-based recommendations for managing asymptomatic gallbladder findings, potentially reducing healthcare costs and patient anxiety.