Medium urgency
Very commonModerately severe
It is the inflammation of a portion of the small intestine called the appendix, located in the lower right part of the abdomen where the small intestine and large intestine join.
It is caused by occlusion of its inner lumen, which causes increased pressure, compromising the blood circulation of the organ, and suffering of the wall due to ischemia and perforation.
It manifests with acute abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever. The pain typically begins in the middle abdomen and later migrates to the right lower abdomen.
It is diagnosed by clinical questioning and physical examination. It is confirmed by blood tests and abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment is surgical removal of the appendix.
- Ronald F Martin. Acute appendicitis in adults: Clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis. UpToDate. Feb 05, 2016.
- Jaffe, BM, Berger, DH. The Appendix. In: Schwartz Principles of Surgery, 8th ed, Schwartz, SI, Brunicardi, CF (Ed), McGraw-Hill Health Pub. Division, New York 2005.
- Danny O. Jacobs. Apendicitis aguda y peritonitis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1985:1988.
- A. García-Pugés. Dolor abdominal. Apendicitis aguda. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen I. Duodécima edición. 227:229.
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
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