Appendicitis in children

What is pediatric appendicitis?

Pediatric appendicitis is a condition that occurs when the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine, becomes infected or inflamed. Appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children.

What are the symptoms of pediatric appendicitis?

The main symptom of pediatric appendicitis is pain in the lower right area of the abdomen. The pain usually starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side later. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and diarrhea or constipation. The symptoms may vary depending on the age and stage of the condition. For example, younger children may have more diffuse abdominal pain and tenderness, while older children may have more localized pain and signs of peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen) if the appendix ruptures.

How is pediatric appendicitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis is based on the child's history, physical examination, and laboratory and imaging tests. The doctor will ask about the child's symptoms, medical history, and recent activities. The doctor will also examine the child's abdomen for signs of tenderness, rigidity, rebound pain, or guarding (muscle contraction to protect the inflamed area). The doctor may order blood and urine tests to check for infection and inflammation. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan, may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of abdominal pain.

How is pediatric appendicitis treated?

The treatment of pediatric appendicitis usually involves surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy). This can be done either by open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery involves making a small incision in the lower right side of the abdomen and removing the appendix through it. Laparoscopic surgery involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a camera and surgical instruments through them to remove the appendix. Laparoscopic surgery may have less pain, scarring, and recovery time than open surgery. Antibiotics are also given before and after surgery to prevent or treat infection. Pain medication and fluids are given to help the child recover.

What are the complications of pediatric appendicitis?

The most serious complication of pediatric appendicitis is perforation (rupture) of the appendix. This can lead to peritonitis (infection and inflammation of the lining of the abdomen) or abscess (collection of pus) in the abdomen. These conditions can cause severe pain, fever, shock, and organ failure if not treated promptly. Other possible complications include wound infection, bleeding, bowel obstruction, or adhesions (scar tissue that sticks organs together) after surgery.

How can pediatric appendicitis be prevented?

There is no known way to prevent pediatric appendicitis. However, some factors that may reduce the risk include eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, avoiding swallowing foreign objects or seeds, and treating any abdominal infections promptly. If your child has any symptoms of appendicitis, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and improve outcomes.