Diffuse abdominal pains are frequently of unknown etiology and it can be difficult to diagnose the cause. Though, the most common cause of such pains is appendicitis, especially in children between the age of 5 and 20. Appendicitis is also the most frequent surgical emergency at this group of age. The actual cause of appendicitis is the luminal obstruction caused by germs, foreign bodies and fecal corps.

The appendix is a diverticulum of the large intestine more specifically of the cecum. When the lumen becomes obstructed inflammation occurs and the blood flow is interrupted causing the organ to die; this is why infection and irritation occur due to an increased growth of bacteria. The most common symptoms of appendicitis in older children and adults are pain in the iliac fossa, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.

Smaller children are usually unable to relate their exact symptoms and also the signs of appendicitis at this age are rather difficult to diagnose. Children can show additional symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, chills or dysuria. The initial diagnose can be established when medical history of the patient is known and also after a more precise physical examination. Surgeon usually appeal to further diagnose methods to make a certain diagnose of appendicitis.

The value of an increased number of white blood cells has proved to be an indicator for the existence of an inflammatory process inside the abdomen. Fever can sometimes indicate appendicitis but in restricted lines as it stands for any kind of inflammatory process inside the body. The reactive C-protein is usually related in the clinic to a perforated appendicitis. The full examination of liver, bladder and kidneys is useful for the differential diagnose with bowel obstruction, ileus or pneumo-peritonitis. Computer tomography and ultrasonography are additional investigations and in some cases can offer vital information.

Para clinical investigation methods can help preventing a misdiagnose followed by an unnecessary appendicectomy or can prevent a late diagnose leading to perforation. To prevent pre- and postoperatory complications and infections, children will be administered with antibiotics for common and less common types of germs. The administration of painkillers in suspicion of appendicitis can lead to dangerous follow-ups as they can easily mask the painful symptoms vital for the detection of appendicitis.

Today, the laparoscopic surgery seems to be the most efficient and safe method to cure appendicitis. It increase the ease of the procedure, reduces scars, decreases the necessary hospitalization time and helps the patient return to its normal activities earlier than after classical intervention.