Acute abdominal pain for the general physician - Who, when and how to refer to the on-call surgeon

Abstract

Patients with abdominal pain are most frequently referred to the on-call surgical team, but there are occasions when physicians may be required to assess, investigate or treat such patients. This article aims to equip non-surgeons with the skills to undertake an appropriate initial assessment and consider the most appropriate selection, timing and mode of referral to the surgical team.