Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 2, 2026

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
00:08

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch

Published on: August 24, 2019

Acute appendicitis in children: factors affecting morbidity

M W Harrison, D J Lindner, J R Campbell

    American Journal of Surgery
    |May 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Early appendicitis intervention is crucial for reducing severe disease and complications. Delayed diagnosis, often from primary care referrals, leads to higher morbidity in pediatric appendicitis cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Surgery
    • Gastroenterology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Appendicitis remains a significant cause of morbidity in children, with little improvement over 50 years.
    • A substantial percentage of pediatric patients present with advanced appendicitis (gangrene, perforation, abscess).

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze factors associated with advanced appendicitis presentation in children.
    • To evaluate referral patterns and their impact on disease stage and morbidity.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective chart review of pediatric appendicitis cases.
    • Comparison of patient demographics, symptom duration, referral source, and operative findings.

    Main Results:

    • 39% of patients presented with advanced appendicitis.
    • Longer symptom duration was strongly linked to advanced disease, accounting for 88% of morbidity.
    • Patients referred by primary care physicians had longer symptom durations and more advanced disease than those from emergency rooms.

    Conclusions:

    • Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to reduce morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs associated with pediatric appendicitis.
    • Optimizing referral pathways from primary care may improve outcomes.

    More Related Videos

    Arterial Pouch Microsurgical Bifurcation Aneurysm Model in the Rabbit06:11

    Arterial Pouch Microsurgical Bifurcation Aneurysm Model in the Rabbit

    Published on: May 14, 2020

    Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review05:06

    Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review

    Published on: March 27, 2026

    Related Concept Videos

    Factors Affecting Illness01:18

    Factors Affecting Illness

    When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
    For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
    Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

    Appendicitis-I: Introduction

    The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
    Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
    Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:29

    Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

    Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
    Diagnosing Appendicitis
    It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease01:30

    Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

    Introduction
    Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
    Crohn's disease
    Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
    Appendicitis01:19

    Appendicitis

    Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
    Cholecystitis01:20

    Cholecystitis

    Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...