The Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery
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The low incidence of stab wounds in Australasia has led to a more operative approach for the management of anterior abdominal stab wounds. A survey of Australasian surgeons interested in trauma was undertaken to analyse current practice. ⋯ There is still a low threshold for laparotomy in Australasia and this approach is not without risks. However, the alternative of using serial observation should be regarded as an active form of management and protocols must be established to ensure regular repeat examinations by experienced personnel. The low incidence of abdominal stab wounds in Australasia makes this approach difficult. A safe approach for the Australasian situation is described.
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Acute appendicitis with protean manifestations may simulate almost any other acute abdominal illness and in turn may be mimicked by a variety of conditions. Progression of symptoms and signs is usual in contrast to the fluctuating course of some other diseases that lead to heavy morbidity and mortality. ⋯ The high scores in men and children were found to be an easy and satisfactory aid in the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis, but a high false-positive rate for acute appendicitis was found in women.