The techniques involved in history-taking and the physical diagnostic examination of the abdomen form the core of this preogram. Given that these techniques acquire meaning only in the context of actual patients with abdominal symptoms, attention is also given to approach and communication with the patient.
Good history-taking forms the basis of the diagnostic work-up: the information obtained from the history-taking contributes substantially to establishing a diagnosis. This topic is discussed in detail in “The abdominal examination”.
If the findings from the patient history and abdominal examination are not sufficient enough to establish a diagnosis, additional information can be obtained using technical diagnostic tools. The diagnostic importance of technical tools is indisputable, but lies beyond the scope of this program.
Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the abdominal wall, the abdominal cavity, and the organs contained therein is essential to appropriate abdominal examination and, in particular, to interperate the findings. These topics are not discussed in detail in this program. For further background information, please refer to relevant textbooks.
In the sections “Specific examination techniques” and “The abdominal examination in a clinical context” the physical diagnostic work-up is described in a step-by-step manner. The difference between normal and pathological findings is also described.
The video excerpts that illustrate the use of these techniques – not in a ‘classroom’ setting, but as they are performed during actual consultations. Communication with the patient during examination is thereby also illustrated.
Performing an examination and interpreting the results must be considered in context of the patient’s situation: the symptoms determine the relative importance of performing different examinations, and further examination depends in part on the results of prior tests.
Abdominal symptoms also occur frequently in children. The techniques involved in the abdominal examination of a child do not differ considerably, but the approach to the patient should be modified according to age of the child. To illustrate this point, three case scenario’s are provided that involve children of various ages.
