Author/Editor		Capsner, Chris
Title		Evaluation of abdominal pain in the elderly
Translated title		Ocenjevanje bolečine v trebuhu pri starostniku
Type		članek
Source		In: Bručan A, Gričar M, editors. Urgentna medicina: izbrana poglavja 3. Zbornik 4. mednarodni simpozij o urgentni medicini; 1997 jun 18-21; Portorož. Ljubljana: Slovensko združenje za urgentno medicino,
Publication year		1997
Volume		str. 173-7
Language		slo
Abstract		Evaluation and management of abdominal pain in the elderly remains a very difficult and challenging problem to the emergency physician. As this review has clearly illustrated the difficulties are numerous and center around atypical presentation of comon problems with attendant nonspecific signs and symptoms. These difficulties are a primary source for lower diagnostic accuracy. Morbidity and mortality is also considerably higher in this patient population. To provide appropriate care and management of the elderly patient, the emergency physician must be aware of these difficulties and should have low threshold for admission for further treatment and diagnostic evaluation. Even with resolution of abdominal pain and discharge from the emergency department, the elderly patient needs close follow-up and further studies as an outpatient. This cautious approach will help minimise complications and poor outcomes often seen with abdominal pain in the elderly patient.
Descriptors		ABDOMINAL PAIN EMERGENCIES AGED ABDOMEN, ACUTE