Surgical Problems

Abstract

The initial evaluation of patients with surgical problems should begin with a thorough history, which will often suggest the diagnosis. This should not only include history of the present problem, but past medical and surgical history and current medications. A complete physical examination should then be performed. Specific findings or characteristics of the most common surgical diagnoses will be discussed categorically. This chapter is not meant to be all-inclusive, but should be helpful when psychiatrists initially encounter possible surgical problems. A surgical consult or emergency room evaluation should be strongly considered in these cases.