EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Introduction: Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, which mostly presents as an acute condition occurring within 24 hours of onset, but the chronic condition is also observed frequently. Acute appendicitis represents the most common indication of emergency nontraumatic abdominal surgery in the world. The risk of appendicitis among men is 16.33% and 16.34% in women. The annual incidence is found to be 139.54 per 100,000 people. 18.5% population is associated with overweight and 81.5% with obesity. The initial symptoms include generalized or periumbilical abdominal pain. The pain later becomes localized to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Appropriate findings from detailed history, physical examination and laboratory investigation aid in diagnosis and further treatment plans [4].

Aim of the Study: The aim of the present review is to understand the various etiology, histopathology, diagnosis and management of appendicitis.

Methodology: The review is a comprehensive research of PUBMED since the year 1990 to 2022.

Conclusion: In adults and children, appendicitis presents as one of the most common causes of abdominal pain. History, physical examination and laboratory investigations aid in the appropriate diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, along with rigidity and periumbilical pain radiating to the right lower quadrant are the best indicators for ruling disease. Physical examination may show absent or decreased bowel sounds, a positive psoas sign, an obturator sign and a Rovsing sign. The Alvarado score includes clinical and laboratory findings and categorizes patients at low, moderate, or high risk. Ultrasonography is first-line imaging; CT scans and MRI can be used. Treatment modalities mainly include open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy. However, in some patients with severe infections, intravenous antibiotics are considered first-line therapy. Pain management is done using opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The most common complication is a perforation that can lead to sepsis.

Keywords: Appendicitis; Appendectomy; Sepsis; Psoas Sign

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