Inflammation of a part of the small intestine called the appendix, which is located in the lower right part of the abdomen. The appendix is a small tubular organ attached to the first part of the large intestine. It is the most common cause of abdominal surgery in children.
It is caused by obstruction of its internal lumen, resulting in increased pressure, impaired blood flow, damage to the intestinal wall due to ischaemia, and perforation.
Symptoms include acute abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever. In young children, the symptoms may be less defined, with the only manifestations being malaise and loss of appetite.
The diagnosis is made clinically, through a clinical interview and physical examination. Scales can be used to indicate whether the risk of appendicitis is high, medium or low. The diagnosis is confirmed by a blood culture and an abdominal scan.
Appendicitis is treated surgically by removing the appendix. Supportive treatment for symptoms and signs of infection is important.
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- David E Wesson. Acute appendicitis in children: Management. UpToDate, Septiembre 2016
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- 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
