Diagnosing appendicitis: What works, what does not and where to go from here?. (5th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Craig, Simon; Dalton, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Journal of paediatrics and child health. Volume 52:Number 2(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 168
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2015-10-05
• Subjects: appendicitis -- diagnosis -- paediatrics -- ultrasonography; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.12998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-4810

Abstract

Abstract: Although acute appendicitis is the most common reason for emergency abdominal surgery in children, diagnosis is far from straightforward. Delays in diagnosis can result in significant complications, whereas over‐diagnosis can result in costly inter‐hospital transfers and unnecessary surgery. This article aims to describe current evidence‐based assessment of children with possible appendicitis presenting to the emergency department. We provide an overview of the literature relating to the various available diagnostic approaches, including the application of history, examination, pathology tests, imaging, and clinical decision rules.