Trends in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Appendicitis

• Published in: Pediatrics in review Vol. 37; no. 2; p. 52
• Main Authors: Hansen, Laura W, Dolgin, Stephen E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2016
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Appendectomy; Appendicitis - diagnosis; Appendicitis - diagnostic imaging; Appendicitis - therapy; Child; Humans; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 1526-3347
• DOI: 10.1542/pir.2015-0021

• On the basis of class B evidence and consensus, acute appendicitis in children can often be diagnosed clinically with only selective use of imaging. (13)(14)(15)(16) • On the basis of class B evidence and consensus, ultrasonography is the test of choice when acute appendicitis is suspected but is unclear based on history, physical examination, and laboratory results. (17)(18)(19) • On the basis of class B evidence and consensus, the use of computed tomography scan should be limited to cases of suspected complex appendicitis with abscess or when there is clinical suspicion for acute appendicitis but ultrasonography results are not helpful. (16) • On the basis of class C evidence and consensus, children with possible appendicitis ideally should be treated in medical centers that have skilled sonographic personnel. (21) • On the basis of class B evidence and consensus, simple appendicitis should be treated by appendectomy during normal operating hours. Preoperative treatment with intravenous antibiotics and fluids during the overnight hours halts disease progression and allows for the safest surgery with the benefit of a full and rested staff. (24)(25)(26) • On the basis of class B evidence and consensus, complex appendicitis with a well-defined abscess can be treated nonoperatively initially, with the option of an interval appendectomy after recovery from the acute infection. (29)(30) (31)(32)(33)