Acute gastrointestinal emergencies requiring surgery in children

Although abdominal pain is common in the paediatric age group, problems of misdiagnosis and serious consequences are more particular in an emergency setting. This study examined the aetiologies of acute abdominal emergencies in children.

This was a retrospective study of 100 children below the age of 12 years presenting with acute abdominal emergencies (gastrointestinal) requiring operative interventions. All patients were operated on an emergency basis and the intraoperative findings were correlated with the clinical findings.

Acute abdominal emergencies in the paediatric age group were heterogeneous, with a myriad of aetiological factors. Overall, 73% of patients were greater than 3 years of age. Early neonatal period formed the second most common group (12%). Acute appendicitis was the most common cause except in the infancy period where congenital abnormalities predominated.

The correct diagnosis of acute abdomen in children requires attention to clinical details and a high degree of suspicion. Early surgical intervention in doubtful cases may be necessary to solve diagnostic problems.