[The concept of the acute abdomen].

The term "acute abdomen" stands for a group of abdominal symptoms which rapidly get worse and therefore require immediate treatment--especially conditions associated with peritonitis, ileus or massive bleeding. No time should be wasted on lengthy diagnosis or organizational problems. In the majority of cases a simple clinical diagnosis gives sufficient indication for surgery. Various manifestations simulating acute abdomen in children are discussed in order to prevent unnecessary laparotomy.