The inflammation of the appendix due to obstruction and bacterial growth causes the most common surgical emergency in children called appendicitis. The appendix as organ has a negligible role in the immune system and one can live without it easily. When swelling, irritation and infection occur inside the appendix lumen, the blood flow is interrupted and the organ begins to die causing pains and other additional symptoms. If not operated in time, an inflamed appendix will perforate and burst inside the abdomen leading to the most dangerous complication called peritonitis.

Appendicitis is more frequent between the ages 5 to 20 but can also appear in smaller children when it is usually diagnosed when perforated. Both sexes seem to be equally affected by this condition and a number of about 4 children in 1000 subjects undergo an appendicectomy every year. Appendicitis is considered a surgical emergency as it can rapidly evolve into perforation and lead to peritonitis which is far more difficult to treat.

The most common and important symptoms of appendicitis are pains in the lower abdominal quadrant, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and by case diarrhea or constipation. If you suspect any of this signs in your child you should call a pediatrician as soon as possible to help prevent other dangerous complications.

A surgeon will base its diagnose especially on medical history, physical examination and diagnostic procedures; but additional methods like ultrasonography and computer tomography can also offer important data for establishing a certain diagnose of appendicitis. The surgeon will also require blood analysis to prove the number of white blood cells, internal exams for liver and kidneys and other investigation for a complete differential diagnosis.

Choosing the most appropriate treatment for appendicitis must keep in mind the age of he patient, the extent of the problem, and the tolerance of the child to certain medications and procedures as well as the opinion of the family or caretakers. The most recommended procedure for appendicitis is the surgical removal called appendicectomy.

There are two methods of removing the inflamed appendix: the first is the classical incision in the right iliac fossa when the organ is detected by the surgeon and removed and a drain tube is placed inside the abdomen and left there for a few days to drain the fluids. The second method is the laparoscopic procedure when two smaller incisions are made to let a camera and instruments get inside the abdomen. This procedure cannot be done in case of appendix perforation.

After surgery, the child will stay home for about one week and slowly get used to normal food once again. When the appendix was perforated, the patient will require some additional days for recovery.