Chapters authored
Acute Appendicitis in Children: Causes and Treatment
Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen in children. One-third of patients are under the age of 18 years, with a peak of incidence during puberty. The particular issues of acute appendicitis in childhood are discussed in this chapter. Anatomical variations, such as malrotation, affect clinical presentation during this period. Complicated appendicitis is a rule in children of preschool age. The theoretical basis of etiology of acute appendicitis is discussed as well. While the prevailing theory considered inflammation secondary to obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, during the last two decades, primary infection is gaining ground as the initial trigger of appendicitis. Finally, therapeutic options are discussed, as non-operative treatment is the new issue in non-complicated appendicitis, while operative options have been enhanced with the advent of laparoscopy.
Part of the book: Appendicitis - Causes and Treatments