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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.
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...
Anatomical Positions01:11

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
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...
Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...

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Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs
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Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs

Published on: December 22, 2023

Abdominal decompression in normal pregnancy.

G Justus Hofmeyr1, Regina Kulier

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East London Hospital Complex, University of the Witwatersrand, University of FortHare, Eastern Cape Department of Health, East London, South Africa. justhof@gmail.com.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 15, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Abdominal decompression offers no proven benefits for healthy pregnancies, showing no impact on fetal growth or pre-eclampsia. Further research is recommended for its use during labor or complicated pregnancies.

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Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Perinatal Health

Background:

  • Abdominal decompression was historically used for labor pain relief.
  • Its application extended to pregnancy complications and attempts to enhance fetal well-being.
  • The intervention aimed to improve fetal development and maternal comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prophylactic use of abdominal decompression in healthy pregnancies.
  • To assess its impact on key pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia, fetal growth, and perinatal mortality.
  • To determine effects on long-term childhood development.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
  • Searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register.
  • Included trials comparing abdominal decompression to sham or no treatment in healthy pregnant women.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences observed in low birthweight or perinatal mortality rates.
  • Abdominal decompression did not affect admission rates for pre-eclampsia.
  • No impact found on Apgar scores or childhood developmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence does not support routine abdominal decompression in normal pregnancies.
  • Research should focus on potential benefits during labor or in complicated pregnancies.
  • Further investigation is needed for specific applications of abdominal decompression.