Surgery | Common Surgical Conditions | General Surgery: Abdominal Swelling

General Surgery Abdominal Swelling
Session Overview
Description
This session aims to give an overview of the aetiology of abdominal masses and consider how they might present. It will provide a structured approach to diagnosis and a general strategy towards management of these patients.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Consider the common and important differentials for patients presenting with abdominal masses
• Develop a knowledge of the differential diagnosis of generalised abdominal swelling
• Differentiate between the likely causes of discrete abdominal masses
• Identify a safe management approach to patients presenting with abdominal mass

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should have a:

• Clear idea of the layers and major landmarks of the anterior abdominal wall

This session will discuss abdominal swellings. It will briefly cover the causes of generalised abdominal swelling and go on to outline the causes of discrete masses.

It will also touch on the two different approaches to patients with abdominal mass, based on the haemodynamic status.

Special attention will be given to the identification and initial treatment of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).