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.