RT - Signa Vitae ID - 10.22514/sv.2023.039 T1 - Point of care ultrasound in the acute abdomen: the value of assessing free fluid A1 - Luca Ponchietti A1 - Pablo Colsa Gutierrez A1 - Alejandra García Jiménez A1 - Carlos Jose Yánez Benitez K1 - Acute abdomen; Point of care ultrasound; Free-fluid; Bedside ultrasound; Emergency surgery YR - 2023 SP - 1 AB -
Acute abdomen represents about 50% of admission in developed countries. It comprises different etiologies, each with a distinct clinical presentation and evolution. Irrespective of the cause, it is related to high morbidity and a non-negligible mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to decrease morbidity and mortality and the cost-efficiency of health systems. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), a bedside ultrasound performed by a non-radiologist, has shown great potential in many clinical conditions, including the acute abdomen. It allows, first of all, to quickly assess the abdomen in what we call a rule-out modality, and in more experienced hands can be used for a more focused examination which we call rule-in modality. The findings of free fluid POCUS in patients with acute abdomen should guide the assessment of the severity, the diagnostic workflow, and the timing for surgical consultation.