Flashcards in Appendicitis Deck (7)
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1
Acute appendicitis occurs when..
The lumen of the appendix becomes obstructed by a hard discrete mass of thickened/congealed feaces
2
epidemiology
affects all age groups
rare in very young and very old
3
typical clinical symptoms
onset of central abdominal pain which then becomes localised to the RIF
accompanied by anorexia and sometimes V+D
4
clinical signs
pt is pyrexial, with tenderness and guarding in the RIF due to localised peritonitis
may be a tender mass in the presence of an appendix abscess
5
investigations
raised WCC, C-reactive protein and ESR (not specific)
ultrasonography: inflamed appendix ?appendix mass
CT is highly sensitive and specific
6
management
surgical
open surgery or laparoscopically
conservative Tx for a mass: IV fluids and antibiotics
7
