Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

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...

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

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: Percussion

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...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...

Abdominal Aorta

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by

Same author

Regressive Neuroblastoma: Widely Accepted, Underreported Histology.

Clinical case reports·2026

Same author

Operative Planning of Chest Wall Reconstructions Illustrated by a Large Defect in a Child.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open·2022

Same author

Effect of Centralization on Surgical Outcome of Children Operated for Liver Tumors in Switzerland: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)·2022

Same author

A Role of brachytherapy in bilateral Wilms tumors: A long-term follow-up of three highly selected cases and literature review.

Brachytherapy·2020

Same author

Perioperative Complications after Kasai Hepatoportoenterostomy: Data from the Swiss National Biliary Atresia Registry.

European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift fur Kinderchirurgie·2019

Same author

International survey on anticoagulation and antiplatelet strategies after pediatric liver transplantation.

Pediatric transplantation·2018

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

[A boy with an abdominal mass].

Tessa Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn¹, Jim C H Wilde

¹AMC, Emma Kinderziekenhuis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde

|June 26, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A rare case of fetus-in-fetu was diagnosed in an 11-year-old boy presenting with an abdominal mass. Surgical removal was successful, resolving the congenital anomaly.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 21, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

Area of Science:

Developmental biology
Pediatric surgery
Medical imaging

Background:

Fetus-in-fetu is a rare congenital anomaly where a malformed fetus is found within the body of its twin.
It is often diagnosed in infancy or childhood, but can remain undetected until adulthood.

Observation:

An 11-year-old boy presented with a right upper abdominal mass.
Initial diagnosis in infancy suggested adrenal hemorrhage.
Abdominal X-ray and CT imaging confirmed the presence of a fetus-in-fetu.

Findings:

The fetus-in-fetu was surgically removed from the patient's abdomen.
Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.

Implications:

This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare congenital anomalies.
Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for successful outcomes in fetus-in-fetu cases.
Further research into the embryological mechanisms of fetus-in-fetu may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.