Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Competing-Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery
Published on: September 27, 2024
Prognosis of elderly patients with non-specific abdominal pain
E Smyth1, P A Stonebridge, P Freeland
1St John's Hospital, Livingston, West Lothian, United Kingdom.
Objective:
To examine the long term outcome of patients over 65 years presenting with acute non-specific abdominal pain.
Setting:
District general hospital.
Design:
Retrospective cohort survey.
Subjects:
43 patients with non-specific abdominal pain, median age 75.5 years, presenting in 1985.
Methods:
Case notes were reviewed and a questionnaire sent to the patients' general practitioners to assess long term outcome.
Results:
There was little evidence that these patients subsequently developed or died from a disease requiring surgery. However, this patient group did have a significantly poorer five year survival than a representative control group because of cardiorespiratory disorders.
Conclusions:
Non-specific abdominal pain in elderly patients should not be regarded as harmless but may have medical rather than surgical implications.
Related Concept Videos
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
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.
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
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...
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications