Chronic abdominal pain

Abstract

Chronic abdominal pain, loosely defined as recurrent episodes of pain occurring at least weekly for 1-2 months, is common in children, estimated to affect approximately 20 % of school-age children. It is responsible for increased absences from school, family disruption, and considerable depression and anxiety. In the great majority of children, chronic abdominal pain is functional in nature-without objective evidence of underlying organic disease. Whereas surgeons are the principle caretakers for children with acute abdominal pain, pediatricians and gastroenterologists provide the bulk of care for those with chronic abdominal pain. The primary role for surgeons in this patient population is to identify and treat the 10-15 % who have an underlying organic disorder as the source of their pain. Even a surgical evaluation which fails to reveal an organic cause has merit because it provides reassurance to the family and allows the primary care provider to transition from a diagnostic mode to formulation of a treatment plan for symptom relief.