Introduction Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common clinical problem, the presentation of which may be acute or chronic. GIB is classified as arising from the upper (proximal to ligament of Treitz) or lower (distal to the ligament of Treitz) GI…
Clinical Classification of Functional Constipation Category Features Physiologic and Imaging Test Results Normal-transit constipation Incomplete evacuation; abdominal pain may be present but not predominant feature Normal; may show excessive stool in colon Slow-transit constipation Infrequent stools (e.g., ≤ 1/week), lack…
Overview Diarrhea is a symptom experienced by nearly everyone, generally considered an increase in the volume, fluidity, &/or frequency of stools. Most episodes are transient and self-limited or self-treated with nonprescription medications. However, diarrhea may be persistent or complicated by…
Overview Nausea and vomiting are experienced by almost everyone, and most episodes and causes are self-limited, rarely coming to medical attention. Patients are often aware of the common causes, such as acute viral infections, "traveler's" nausea and diarrhea, or the…
Overview The evaluation of the adult patient with abdominal pain is often challenging for the primary care, emergency physician, or surgeon. While occasional abdominal pain is experienced by almost all adults and is usually self-limited, it can herald serious disorders,…
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Anatomy The abdominal cavity is divided into both intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal spaces. The peritoneal cavity is lined by visceral and parietal peritoneum (a thin mesothelial membrane) and lies within the abdominal cavity, with two potential spaces, the greater and lesser…
The pancreas is an obliquely positioned retroperitoneal organ containing a tail, body, neck, head, and uncinate. It has a main duct (normal measurements, 2 to 3 mm in diameter) running the length of the pancreas from the tail proximally to…
The biliary tree develops embryologically along the course of the portal venous anatomy and is defined proximally by right and left intrahepatic biliary ducts, which join to form the common hepatic duct. A side appendage, the gallbladder, is attached to…
The spleen is part of the mononuclear phagocytic system (formally known as reticuloendothelial) and the largest lymphatic organ. Its red pulp is responsible for red blood cell and platelet metabolism and acts as a monocyte reservation. Its white pulp is…