Surgical causes of upper abdominal pain.

In Australia, abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in the general practice setting. Identifying a surgical cause is important and warrants prompt specialist referral.This article outlines common surgical causes of upper abdominal pain. We include differential diagnoses, relevant investigations and approach to patient management.Gallstones and peptic disease are common surgical causes of upper abdominal pain. A diagnosis should be made with careful clinical assessment and appropriate investigations. However, a considerable proportion of patients will be investigated for 'surgical' causes and remain undiagnosed. Irritable bowel syndrome should be considered in these cases.