The aim of this study was to describe the features in the presentation and management of acute abdomen (AA) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We reviewed the medical records of 97 HIV patients who presented with AA and were seen in 2006-2011 at Cayetano Heredia National Hospital in Lima, Peru. 1.6% of immunosuppressed patients underwent surgery. Appendectomy was the most common surgical procedure (33.3%). Morbidity was 28.1% and postoperative mortality was 9.4%. Infection by mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most common cause of acute abdominal pain, at 26.8%. Data suggest that an early surgical decision for cases of AA in HIV patients may prevent significant morbidity and mortality.