It is the inflammation of a portion of the small intestine called the appendix, located in the lower right part of the abdomen. It is a small organ in the form of a tube with a sac-like bottom, located where the small intestine and large intestine join. It is the most frequent reason for abdominal surgery in children.
It is caused by occlusion of its inner lumen, which causes increased pressure, compromised blood supply and suffering of the wall due to ischemia and perforation.
The usual symptoms are abdominal pain in the umbilical or lower right area, loss of appetite, nausea and fever. In young children the clinical manifestations may be less defined, manifesting only restlessness and lack of appetite.
Diagnosis is clinical, by interrogation and physical examination. Assessment scales can be used to indicate whether the probability of appendicitis is high, moderate or low. The diagnosis will be confirmed by blood tests and abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment is surgical, with removal of the appendix. Supportive treatment of symptoms and signs of infection is important.
- David E Wesson, MD Acute appendicitis in children: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UpToDate, Agosto 2016
- David E Wesson. Acute appendicitis in children: Management. UpToDate, Septiembre 2016
- Andersson RE. Nonsurgical treatment of appendiceal abscess: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Surg 2007; 246:741.
- Dunn JCY. Appendicitis. In: Pediatric Surgery, Coran AG, Adzick NS, Krummel TM, et al. (Eds), Elsevier, Philadelphia 2012. p.1255.
- Danny O. Jacobs. Apendicitis aguda y peritonitis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 356
