MANAGEMENT GASTRO

Question 1

What is active observation in managing appendicitis in children with an appendiceal mass?

Answer 1

antibiotics
fluid therapy

Question 2

What is the management strategy for suspected appendicitis?

Answer 2

arrange emergency admission for investigations and imaging, particularly if vulnerable (suspected complications, pregnant women, elderly people, infants and young children

investigations: FBC as neutrophil predominant leucocytosis is common, CRP raised, urine dipstick to rule out a UTI, pregnancy test to exclude an ectopic
imaging: ultrasound, MRI for pregnant woman if ultrasound non-diagnostic

non operative: antibiotics and fluids in uncomplicated appendicitis
operative management: appendicectomy or drainage of appendix abscess