[4] Clinically, patients present with diffuse abdominal pain, bowel distention, and bloody diarrhea.

Typically, treatment involves removal of the region of the bowel that has undergone infarction, and subsequent anastomosis of the remaining healthy tissue.

However, the scientific literature has shown that early administration of pain medications, including opiates, in those with acute abdomen does not lead to delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment or errors in management (the incorrect surgical treatment administered or performing un-necessary surgery).

[3] An ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality in pregnant patients as CT scans expose the fetus to ionizing radiation which may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

However, abdominal x-ray is not recommended as part of the diagnostic evaluation in acute abdomen due to its low sensitivity and specificity.

[9][3] Delays in medical imaging acquisition and interpretation greater than 2 hours are associated with an increased risk of complications and death.