Appendicitis Flashcards
1
Q
what is it
A
surgical emergency where there is inflammation of appendix
usually due to irritation or faecal obstruction
2
Q
what causes it
A
unknown obstruction of lumen with faecolith bacterial viral parasites
3
Q
what are symptoms
A
epigastric pain --> RIF (mcburneys point) anorexia nausea vomiting low grade fever rovings (pain in RIF when LIF palpated)
4
Q
what is pathology
A
acute inflammation involving muscle coat, mucosal ulceration, serosal congestion, exudate, pus in lumen
5
Q
what are signs
A
mild pyrexia (never high temp initially) mild tachycardia localised pain in RIF guarding rebound
6
Q
how is it diagnosed
A
clinical diagnosis USS useful in women in kids AXR to exclude other causes bloods (important CRP, WCC) urinalysis
7
Q
how is it treated
A
laparoscopic appendectomy
IV fluids and antibiotics if abdominal mass
8
Q
what are the complications
A
peritonitis rupture abscess fistula sepsis liver abscess
