Acute appendicitis

Alternative names:

appendicitis

Treatment:

Close observation within the first 8 to 12 hours after the onset of symptoms is indicated.

For uncomplicated appendicitis, surgery (appendectomy) is performed as soon as possible. Little preparation is required. If an abscess is suspected, the surgery may be delayed until antibiotic therapy has reduced the infection.

Expectations (prognosis):

Early surgery has a death rate of less than 1%.

Complications:

• perforation of the intestines
• gangrene (tissue death) of the intestines
• peritonitis
• abscess

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if right-lower quadrant abdominal pain or other symptoms suggestive of appendicitis develop.