A case of tetanus mimicking acute abdomen

Gungor B., Karakose O., Topgul K.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, vol.23, no.2, pp.62-64, 2007 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Editorial Material
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.62-64
  • Keywords: Tetanus, acute abdomen, laparotomy
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Acute abdomen presenting with generalized abdominal rigidity is usually considered as a surgical emergency. Tetanus infection may also cause abdominal rigidity as in an acute abdomen. Latency of sign and symptoms of tetanus and/or the unawareness of the physician may lead to an unnecessary laparotomy. The nonimmunized middle aged and elderly people of lower socioeconomical status especially in the rural areas are at higher risk of tetanus.