In medicine

Medicine

Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....

, bulging flanks refers to a sign for ascites

Ascites

Ascites is a gastroenterological term for an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.The medical condition is also known as peritoneal cavity fluid, peritoneal fluid excess, hydroperitoneum or more archaically as abdominal dropsy. Although most commonly due to cirrhosis and severe liver...

. If, on inspection (most easily observed from the patients foot end), the sides of the abdomen bulge outward in an unusual fashion on a patient, they likely have fluid in the abdomen

Abdomen

In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...

. This occurs if a significant amount of free fluid is present this collects around the flanks due to gravity causing them to bulge somewhat like a water balloon.

See also

• Abdominal examination
  Abdominal examination
  The abdominal exam, in medicine, is performed as part of a physical examination, or when a patient presents with abdominal pain or a history that suggests an abdominal pathology.The exam includes several parts:* Setting and preparation...
  
  
• Fluid wave test
  Fluid wave test
  In medicine, the fluid wave test or fluid thrill test is a test for ascites. It is performed by having the patient push their hands down on the midline of the abdomen. The examiner then taps one flank, while feeling on the other flank for the tap...
  
  
• Shifting dullness
  Shifting dullness
  In medicine, shifting dullness refers to a sign, elicited on physical examination, for ascites.To perform the test, first the midline is percussed eliciting a resonant note due to gas in the bowel. If there is no area of resonance then the test cannot be performed...
  
  
• Puddle sign
  Puddle sign
  In gastroenterology, the puddle sign is a physical examination maneuver that can be used to detect the presence of ascites. It is useful for detecting small amounts of ascites -- as small as 120 mL; shifting dullness and bulging flanks typically require 500 mL....