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Acute appendicitis in preschool-age children

George Sakellaris1, Stefanos Tilemis, Giorgos Charissis

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece. gsakell@mycosmos.gr

European Journal of Pediatrics
|February 11, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing appendicitis in young children is challenging. This study analyzed 122 cases, finding high rates of complications like perforation and abscess, highlighting the need for careful clinical evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical presentation and outcomes of appendectomy in children under 5 years old.
  • To identify challenges in diagnosing appendicitis in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 122 children under 5 years old who underwent appendectomy.
  • Data collected included demographics, symptoms, physical findings, operative stage, histology, and postoperative outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 24% had suppurative appendicitis, 52% had perforated appendices, and 21% had appendiceal abscess.
  • A significant proportion of cases presented with advanced disease.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis of appendicitis in early childhood remains difficult.
  • Paediatric surgeons must rely on clinical skills and consider laparotomy for definitive diagnosis when in doubt.
Abstract

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