Appendicitis
Overview
The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch attached to the colon (large intestine), located within the right lower side of the abdomen (belly). Appendicitis occurs when the lining of the appendix becomes inflamed due to blockage by an appendicolith (stool ball) or possibly due to the presence of an infection. As the inflammation worsens, the appendix begins to swell or enlarge, and may fill with pus. The lining of the appendix may also break down or potentially rupture.
If appendicitis is not recognized early enough, your child’s appendix can burst and lead to a serious, life-threatening infection that can spread throughout the body. Because the appendix is not a vital organ, the most effective treatment for appendicitis is using surgery to remove it.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include:
Abdominal bloating
Constipation
Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
Gas
Fever
Nausea or vomiting
Pain that begins quickly – often around the belly button – and then moves to the lower right side of the abdomen
Pain that worsens with walking, coughing or making sudden movements
When to see a doctor
If your child experiences any of the above symptoms – especially severe abdominal pain – they should be evaluated either by their pediatrician or brought to the nearest emergency room. Appendicitis is considered an emergency medical situation and should be treated promptly.
Causes of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is thought to be inflammation of the appendix related to infection and/or blockage. This leads to swelling and can even lead to the formation of a hole in the lining of the appendix, called a perforation. A perforation can allow the infection to spread into the abdomen.
Who’s at risk
People of any age can develop appendicitis. There are no known risk factors.
Diagnosis of Appendicitis
If your doctor suspects your child may have appendicitis, they will recommend one or more of the following tests:
Physical exam. Your child’s doctor will perform a complete physical exam, including asking questions about your child’s pain and personal and family health history.
Blood test. Your doctor can use a blood test to check your child’s white blood cell count. A high white blood cell count could indicate an infection. White blood cells fight infection and other illnesses in the body.
Urine test. This test can rule out other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones, that can cause similar symptoms.
Imaging tests. Your child may need to undergo imaging tests to confirm an appendicitis diagnosis or rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Imaging tests can include:
Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create detailed images of the inside of your child’s body.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan. This test uses X-rays and specialized computers to create detailed images of the inside of your child’s body.
Treatments for Appendicitis
If your child has appendicitis, they will likely need an appendectomy, which is a surgery to remove their appendix. Your child’s surgeon can typically perform an appendectomy using the minimally invasive laparoscopic approach described below. Your child will be under general anesthesia (fully asleep) for the surgery.
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, your child’s surgeon will make one to three tiny incisions (cuts) in the abdomen (belly). The surgeon uses a long, thin tube (laparoscope) with a camera on the end connected to a video monitor. To detach the appendix, the surgeon uses the camera to guide their surgical tools. Once complete, the surgeon removes the appendix, surgical tools and laparoscope. They then close the incisions with stitches and covers the stitches with a bandage or surgical glue.
After the appendectomy, your child will spend a few hours in a post-operative area while the effects of anesthesia wear off. If the appendix is not ruptured, your child may go home within one or two days after surgery, as long as they are not having fevers and are recovering well. If it is ruptured, they will need antibiotics to treat the infection, and may need to stay in the hospital longer.
Since the appendix is not a vital organ, a surgeon can safely remove it, and your child can go on to live a normal, healthy life.
Contact Us
If you suspect that your child may have Appendicitis, make an appointment with an Orlando Health pediatrician today so your child can start on the road to improved health.
