Appendicitis

Question 1

What is appendicitis? What causes it?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the veriform appendix

Due to bacterial infection, usually secondary to luminal obstruction.

7% lifetime incidence

Question 2

Symptoms of appendicitis?

Answer 2

• Colicky central abdominal pain that progresses to localization of right iliac pain (inflammation of overlying parietal peritoneum)
• nausea / vomiting / constipation

Question 3

Signs of appendicitis?

Answer 3

• Right iliac pain / guarding
• Right iliac pain on palpation of left iliac region
• Pyrexia

Question 4

Investigations for appendicitis?

Answer 4

• Bloods (increased WCC & CRP)

- USS / CT

Question 5

Treatment of appendicitis?

Answer 5

Laparoscopic / open appendicectomy

• antibiotics if evidence of perforation

Question 6

Possible complications of appendicitis?

Answer 6

Perforation leading to generalized peritonitis or localized appendix abscess