Emergency surgery covers abdominal conditions requiring intervention within hours. The most common cause is appendicitis, followed by bowel obstruction, perforated ulcer, acute cholecystitis, incarcerated hernia and intra-abdominal bleeding. Sudden, progressively worsening abdominal pain calls for immediate attendance at an emergency department.
- Appendicitis
- Bowel obstruction
- Bowel and ulcer perforation
- Incarcerated (strangulated) hernia
- Acute cholecystitis
- Intra-abdominal abscesses
- Abdominal injuries and trauma
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Acute mesenteric ischaemia
- Fournier's gangrene
Unlike planned operations, emergency surgery covers situations where decisions must be made within hours. Delay can turn a simple problem into a life-threatening one.
Symptoms requiring attendance at an emergency department:
- Sudden and progressively worsening abdominal pain
- A board-like rigid abdomen, severe pain on touch
- Abdominal pain with fever
- Persistent vomiting, inability to pass wind or stool
- Vomiting blood or passing black stools
- A hernia that becomes hard and cannot be pushed back
- Rapidly spreading redness and swelling of the skin with fever
Appendicitis
The most common reason for emergency surgery. Pain typically begins around the navel and settles in the right lower abdomen within hours, accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea and mild fever. Treatment is appendectomy, today mostly performed laparoscopically. If delayed, the appendix can perforate and cause peritonitis.
Bowel Obstruction and Perforation
The most common causes of bowel obstruction are adhesions from previous surgery, hernias and tumours. Abdominal distension, cramping pain, vomiting and inability to pass wind or stool are typical. Some cases resolve without surgery, while those that do not, or where blood supply to the bowel is compromised, require emergency surgery.
Perforation of an ulcer or the bowel spills contents into the abdominal cavity and causes peritonitis; it presents with sudden, very severe abdominal pain and requires emergency surgery.
Incarcerated Hernia
Incarceration of hernia contents with loss of blood supply (strangulation) is life-threatening. A swelling that becomes hard, cannot be pushed back, shows colour change of the overlying skin, together with vomiting, signals this picture and requires emergency surgery.
Abdominal Trauma
Road traffic accidents, falls and penetrating injuries can damage intra-abdominal organs. The spleen and liver are the most commonly injured. If the patient is haemodynamically unstable, emergency surgery is required; in stable cases close observation and interventional methods are considered.
Other Emergency Conditions
- Acute cholecystitis: fever and right upper abdominal pain; early surgery or drainage
- Gastrointestinal bleeding: endoscopic intervention is the first step; surgery where bleeding cannot be stopped
- Acute mesenteric ischaemia: occlusion of the vessel supplying the bowel; early diagnosis saves lives
- Fournier's gangrene: a rapidly progressing soft-tissue infection of the perineum requiring urgent and extensive surgical debridement
Long-Standing Practice in Emergency Surgery
Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci spent much of his career in state and city hospitals, where emergency surgery is central to daily practice. In an interview on his DoktorTakvimi profile he describes the memory that stays with him most: "The patients I helped hold on to life by operating on them in emergencies such as road accidents and trauma."
- Publication: Aslan A, Temiz M, Semerci E, Ozkan OV, Yetim I, Fansa I. "Acute Mesenteric Ischemia." 10th European Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Antalya (2009)
- Publication: Koseoglu Z, Ozkan OV, Semerci E et al. "The relationship between mortality and inflammation in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding." Journal of International Medical Research, 2009;37(5):1508-14
- Trauma surgery, abdominal injuries, bowel perforation, peritonitis and Fournier's gangrene are among his registered areas of interest
Consultations and operations are carried out at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci has practised in Mersin since 2010. Patients travelling from Mersin and neighbouring provinces can book via WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsAppWhen should I go to an emergency department with abdominal pain?
Go without delay if you have sudden and progressively worsening pain, a rigid abdomen, fever, persistent vomiting, inability to pass wind or stool, vomiting of blood or black stools.
Can appendicitis surgery be done laparoscopically?
Yes, appendectomy is today mostly performed laparoscopically. Open surgery may be preferred where there is perforation and widespread inflammation.
How long does recovery take after emergency surgery?
It depends on the condition. A few days in simple appendicitis, a few weeks where there is perforation or widespread inflammation. Recovery after emergency operations is generally longer than after planned surgery.
Consultation and Appointments in Mersin
For symptoms within Emergency and Trauma Surgery you can book an appointment at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Mezitli / Mersin, Turkey, weekdays 09:00-17:00.
WhatsApp: +90 542 236 05 33Disclaimer. This page is provided for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and it is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and treatment by a physician. The content is not tailored to any individual and is not intended as advertising. Which method is suitable for you can only be determined after examination and the necessary investigations. Consult your own doctor about any decision concerning your health.