A patient has been seeking repeated admissions in various hospitals with a variety of symptoms. He had undergone appendicectomy, cholecystectomy, and other exploratory laparotomies on previous admissions. The most likely diagnosis is –
**Core Concept**
The underlying issue in this patient's case is a condition characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, leading to repeated surgical interventions, without any clear evidence of the initial cause. This condition is often linked to psychological factors and can lead to a pattern of behavior known as factitious disorder.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's symptoms and history suggest that they are fabricating or exaggerating their illness, often for attention or sympathy. This behavior is known as factitious disorder, previously referred to as Munchausen syndrome. The patient's repeated admissions to various hospitals, with a variety of symptoms, are indicative of this condition. The fact that they have undergone multiple surgeries without any clear evidence of the initial cause further supports this diagnosis. This behavior can be driven by a desire for attention, a need to assume the sick role, or a desire to avoid responsibilities.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option might be considered if the patient had a clear underlying medical condition that required surgery, but the history of repeated admissions and varied symptoms suggests something more complex.
**Option B:** While the patient may have had some underlying medical issues, the pattern of behavior and repeated surgeries without a clear cause point away from a simple medical explanation.
**Option C:** This option might be considered if the patient had a clear history of substance abuse, but there is no indication of this in the scenario.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Be aware of the classic "Munchausen syndrome" presentation, where patients fabricate or exaggerate their illness, often leading to repeated hospital admissions and unnecessary surgeries.
**Correct Answer: D. Factitious disorder.**