Abdominal guarding

Guarding (also Défense musculaire ) is a technical term from the medicine. It refers to the involuntary contraction of the abdominal muscles strong with a strong, sudden onset and then persistent peritoneal irritation.

A guarding occurs during an acute abdomen. It is determined by the groping hand (palpation ). It can be localized or generalized to find the area of ​​the whole abdomen.

The symptoms may be less pronounced in children, elderly or obese patients, but not therefore less able to their explosive nature.

If there is a defense voltage, an immediate investigation of the acute abdomen is required. In addition to laboratory tests and imaging procedures ( ultrasonography, computed tomography ) and an exploratory laparotomy may need to be performed to clarify the cause.

• Symptom of disease in gastroenterology