Pediatric Appendicitis

Excerpt

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children and a leading cause of pediatric abdominal pain. This condition involves acute inflammation of the vermiform appendix and warrants prompt recognition and intervention. In any child presenting with acute abdominal pain and no history of appendectomy, appendicitis should remain high on the differential. Anatomically, the appendix most commonly arises from the posteromedial wall of the cecum and may occupy variable positions, eg, retrocecal or pelvic, which can influence clinical presentation. These various presentations can result in underrecognition of pediatric appendicitis, particularly in younger children with nonspecific or atypical symptoms. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of perforation, peritonitis, and other complications, making timely evaluation critical to improving outcomes.