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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

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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....
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Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

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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,...
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Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation01:23

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

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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...
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Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

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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...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

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Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
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Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
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[A man with a bloated abdomen].

Tessa C M Geraedts, Nicky Janssen, Guy H E J Vijgen

    Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
    |September 15, 2021
    PubMed
    Summary

    A man experienced severe abdominal distension due to acute urinary retention (8.5 liters). Prompt urinary catheter drainage resolved his symptoms, highlighting a critical intervention for bladder outlet obstruction.

    Area of Science:

    • Urology
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Radiology

    Background:

    • Acute urinary retention is a common urological emergency.
    • Intellectual disability can be a risk factor for delayed presentation of medical conditions.
    • Massive bladder distension can lead to significant patient discomfort and potential complications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report a case of massive acute urinary retention in an otherwise healthy adult.
    • To highlight the diagnostic utility of computed tomography in evaluating abdominal emergencies.
    • To emphasize the effectiveness of immediate urinary catheterization for symptom relief.

    Main Methods:

    • Case report of a 61-year-old male patient.
    • Diagnostic imaging with abdominal computed tomography.

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  • Therapeutic intervention with urinary catheterization.

    • Main Results:

    • Computed tomography revealed 8.5 liters of acute urinary retention.
    • No signs of renal dysfunction were present.
    • Urinary catheter drainage provided immediate symptomatic relief.

    Conclusions:

    • Massive acute urinary retention can occur even in healthy individuals.
    • Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing acute urinary retention.
    • Urinary catheterization is an effective and immediate treatment for relieving symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction.