Pediatric appendicitis: state of the art review.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2017

Identifier

DOI: 10.1007/s00383-016-3990-2

Abstract

Appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain in children. The diagnosis and treatment of the disease have undergone major changes in the past two decades, primarily as a result of the application of an evidence-based approach. Data from several randomized controlled trials, large database studies, and meta-analyses have fundamentally affected patient care. The best diagnostic approach is a standardized clinical pathway with a scoring system and selective imaging. Non-operative management of simple appendicitis is a reasonable option in selected cases, with the caveat that data in children remain limited. A minimally invasive (laparoscopic) appendectomy is the current standard in US and European children's hospitals. This article reviews the current 'state of the art' in the evaluation and management of pediatric appendicitis.

Journal Title

Pediatric surgery international

Volume

33

Issue

3

First Page

269

Last Page

283

MeSH Keywords

Adolescent; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Appendix; Child; Child, Preschool; Databases, Factual; Diagnostic Imaging; Female; Hospitals, Pediatric; Humans; Male; Pediatrics; Treatment Outcome

Keywords

Abdominal pain; Abscess; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Laparoscopy; Non-operative management; Right lower quadrant; Scoring system

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