Appendicitis Flashcards
What is appendicitis?
Inflammation of the appendix.
What are the common causes of appendicitis?
Obstruction of the appendix by fecalith, lymphoid hyperplasia, or tumors.
What is the pathophysiology of appendicitis?
Obstruction leads to bacterial overgrowth, increased pressure, ischemia, and inflammation.
What are the risk factors for developing appendicitis?
Young age, male gender, family history, and conditions like cystic fibrosis.
What are the typical signs and symptoms of appendicitis?
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fever.
What is McBurney’s point?
Point one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus.
What are Rovsing’s sign and rebound tenderness?
Palpation-induced pain in the right lower quadrant and pain on release of palpation pressure.
What laboratory tests are useful in diagnosing appendicitis?
Complete blood count (CBC) and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
What imaging studies are used in diagnosing appendicitis?
Ultrasound and CT scan.
What is the Alvarado score?
Scoring system combining clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings to assess the likelihood of appendicitis.
What is the role of ultrasound in diagnosing appendicitis?
Initial imaging modality of choice, especially in pediatric and pregnant patients.
What is the role of CT scan in diagnosing appendicitis?
Preferred imaging for confirming the diagnosis and evaluating for complications.
What is the treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis?
Appendectomy.
What is the role of antibiotics in treating appendicitis?
Used in conjunction with surgery in uncomplicated cases to reduce the risk of postoperative infection.
What is the surgical procedure for appendicitis?
Surgical removal of the appendix.
What are the possible complications of appendicitis?
Peritonitis, abscess formation, and sepsis.
What is perforated appendicitis?
Perforation with localized or generalized peritonitis.
What is gangrenous appendicitis?
Tissue necrosis due to compromised blood supply.
What is the management of complicated appendicitis?
Drainage of abscesses and intravenous antibiotics.
What is the prognosis for appendicitis with prompt treatment?
Excellent with low morbidity and mortality rates.
What are the differential diagnoses for appendicitis?
Gastroenteritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian torsion.
What is the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing and treating appendicitis?
Minimally invasive procedure for both diagnosis and treatment.
What is the likelihood of recurrence after appendectomy?
Low, but recurrence can occur if the appendix was not completely removed.
What are the postoperative care considerations for appendicitis?
Monitoring for complications like infection and ensuring adequate pain control.
What is the role of pain management in appendicitis?
Important for patient comfort and early mobilization.
What dietary recommendations are given after appendectomy?
Gradual return to normal diet as tolerated.
What are the potential long-term effects of appendicitis?
None, if promptly treated; however, chronic abdominal pain can occur in some cases.
What is chronic appendicitis?
Recurrent or intermittent abdominal pain attributed to the appendix without acute inflammation.
What is the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of appendicitis?
Inflammatory response leads to tissue damage and clinical symptoms.
What research is being done to improve the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis?
Development of novel diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatment options.
