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What Discharge Instructions and Follow-Up Planning Should Patients with Chronic Abdominal Pain Be Given?

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Gastrointestinal Emergencies

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Abstract

Chronic abdominal pain can be difficult to manage with regard to discharge planning and instructions. Medically, pain control should be given in the safest and smallest doses necessary. Narcotics and benzodiazepines should be avoided when possible. An empathetic approach and utilization of support systems can encourage patient independence in this multifactorial and overwhelming process. Referral to the appropriate clinicians for follow-up, including the gastroenterologist, gynecologist, urologist, psychiatrist, or primary care provider, facilitates ongoing treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    Stephen Shaheen

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  1. Stephen Shaheen
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Correspondence to Stephen Shaheen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA

    Autumn Graham

  2. Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA

    David J. Carlberg

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Shaheen, S. (2019). What Discharge Instructions and Follow-Up Planning Should Patients with Chronic Abdominal Pain Be Given?. In: Graham, A., Carlberg, D.J. (eds) Gastrointestinal Emergencies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98343-1_142

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98343-1_142

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-98342-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-98343-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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