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Published on: August 24, 2019
Pediatric Appendicitis
Rebecca M Rentea1, Shawn D St Peter2
1Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
Insights
Pediatric appendicitis, a common surgical issue, is diagnosed using scoring systems, imaging, and clinical exams. Laparoscopic surgery and nonoperative management are key treatment options for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Pathology
Background:
- Appendicitis is a frequent surgical diagnosis in pediatric patients.
- It often manifests as right lower quadrant pain, necessitating prompt evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic workup for pediatric appendicitis.
- To review current management strategies, including surgical and nonoperative options.
- To highlight ongoing controversies in pediatric appendicitis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing scoring systems for initial assessment.
- Employing selective imaging modalities for diagnosis.
- Incorporating clinical pathways for standardized care.
- Evaluating laparoscopic surgical techniques versus nonoperative management.
Main Results:
- A combination of scoring systems, selective imaging, and surgical examination effectively diagnoses most pediatric appendicitis cases.
- Laparoscopic appendectomies during the initial hospitalization show improved outcomes for perforated cases.
- Nonoperative management is a viable option for both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis.
Conclusions:
- Standardized clinical pathways improve the diagnosis and management of pediatric appendicitis.
- Laparoscopic surgery offers benefits, particularly for perforated appendicitis.
- Nonoperative treatment strategies are increasingly recognized for their role in managing appendicitis in children.
Abstract:
Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical pathologies in children. It can present with right lower quadrant pain. Scoring systems in combination with selective imaging and surgical examination will diagnose most children with appendicitis. Clinical pathways should be used. Most surgical interventions for appendicitis are now almost exclusively laparoscopic, with trials demonstrating better outcomes for children who undergo index hospitalization appendectomies when perforated. Nonoperative management has a role in the treatment of both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. This article discusses the workup and management, modes of treatment, and continued areas of controversy in pediatric appendicitis.
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