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

922
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....
922
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

794
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...
794
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion01:18

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

876
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...
876
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

511
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,...
511
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

207
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
207
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation01:23

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

1.7K
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...
1.7K

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Faculty development committee: Evolution through engagement and empowerment.

AEM education and training·2025
Same author

Enhancing emergency medicine faculty development: A strategic approach to bridging clinical skill gaps.

AEM education and training·2025
Same author

Addressing disparities in promotion: Best practices for optimizing your curriculum vitae and preparing for promotion.

AEM education and training·2025
Same author

Unusual foreign body aspiration in a 4-year-old patient.

Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open·2024
Same author

Reframing conflict in the emergency department as an expected and modifiable source of moral injury.

Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine·2024
Same author

Cost awareness intervention for combat gauze utilization in an academic trauma center emergency department.

The American journal of emergency medicine·2021
Same journal

Why Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions in Emergency Medicine Matters.

Emergency medicine clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Myths and Misconceptions in Emergency Medicine.

Emergency medicine clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Acute Otitis Media-Watch and Wait Is Not a Myth.

Emergency medicine clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Hot or Not? Myths and Misconceptions About Antipyretics for Pediatric Fever.

Emergency medicine clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Epinephrine Improves Outcomes in Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests.

Emergency medicine clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Myth: Pretreatment Prevents Intravenous Contrast Reactions in the Emergency Department.

Emergency medicine clinics of North America·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition
07:18

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition

Published on: September 22, 2023

7.2K

Occult Abdominal Trauma.

Elizabeth Leenellett1, Adam Rieves2

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Room 1505, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0769, USA.

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|October 3, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Occult abdominal injuries pose significant risks. Early detection through a combination of history, physical exam, labs, and imaging is crucial for preventing severe outcomes in high-risk patients.

Keywords:
Blunt abdominal traumaMissed injuriesOccult injuries

More Related Videos

A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing
20:33

A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing

Published on: July 4, 2019

51.6K
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
07:12

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

3.2K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition
07:18

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition

Published on: September 22, 2023

7.2K
A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing
20:33

A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing

Published on: July 4, 2019

51.6K
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
07:12

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

3.2K

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Occult abdominal injuries are frequently encountered in trauma patients.
  • These injuries increase the risk of morbidity and mortality.
  • Delayed presentation and multiple injuries elevate the risk of missed abdominal trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for occult abdominal injuries.
  • To highlight diagnostic strategies for mitigating the risk of missed injuries.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches for occult abdominal injuries.
  • Integration of patient history, physical examination findings, laboratory results, and imaging studies.

Main Results:

  • A comprehensive diagnostic approach is essential for identifying occult abdominal injuries.
  • Timely and accurate diagnosis can significantly reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • A high index of suspicion is paramount in evaluating patients at risk for occult abdominal injuries.
  • Combining clinical assessment with appropriate diagnostic tools aids in the early detection and management of these injuries.