A Prospective Study on Acute Abdomen at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital (APH), Ghana: Identification of Common Causes and Pattern of Presentation

Background Acute abdomen is the most common presenting surgical emergency in the world and due to its varied etiology; it poses significant diagnostic challenges for physicians.Objective To examine the demographics and presentation patterns of patients with acute abdomen (AA) who sought treatment at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital (APH). To determine the most common causes of AA, evaluate accuracy of diagnosis by comparing pre-operative and post– operative diagnosis of AA and determine the morbidity and mortality associated with management of the condition at APH.Methods A descriptive, observational cross-sectional studies which included all cases of AA diagnosed at APH within the set study period. Standard forms were the primary tool used for data collection. The variables studied include patient demographics, clinical features, pattern of presentations, complications and mortality. Data gathered were coded and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0Result There were 26 patients, 11 males and 15 females. The ages ranged from 1 to 69.laparotomy being the common operations), 11 were managed conservatively. Three patients (11.5%) died, two of whom were cases of perforated peptic ulcer disease and died within three days of admission.Conclusion This study highlights the need for accurate and prompt diagnosis of AA, as it can be life-threatening