Acute Appendicitis

Question 1

Symptoms of Acute Appendicitis

Answer 1

Central umbilical pain that localizes to the right iliac fossa.
Rebound tenderness
Anorexia/Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
Pyrexial + tenderness/guarding (localised peritonitis)
? Tender mass

Question 2

Differential Diagnosis

Answer 2

Obstruction/constipation, Crohns disease, PID, Pyleonephritis, Strangulated hernia, Meckels diverticulum, Cholecystitis, UTI, Renal Calculi, Ectopic pregnancy, Ca of colon.

Question 3

Diagnostic workup of suspected appendicitis, laboratory findings that would confirm diagnosis

Answer 3

Raised WCC, CRP, ESR (unspecific)
Abdominal US
CT highly sensitive and specific

Question 4

Complications of a perforated appendix

Answer 4

Peritonitis

Abscess formation

Question 5

Post-op complications

Answer 5

Abscess formation, Wound infection, Paralytic ileus (Stasis and paralysis of ilium)

Question 6

Causes of right iliac fossa masses

Answer 6

Abscess, Tumour, Crohns, Mucocele, Pelvic kidney, Ovarian cyst.