Acute appendicitis in the first three years of life

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is the most frequent disease in children population that requires an urgent surgical intervention. Only 2% of operated children belong to the group younger than 3 years. Yet, 77% are school children. Appendicitis in young children is characterized by: atypical clinical course, late diagnosis, high percentage of perforations, and high level of mortality and morbidity rates. The commonest symptoms are: vomiting, undefined abdominal pain, and high temperature. Abdominal distention and diffuse abdominal tenderness are the most frequent signs during examination. Our analysis (1991-2000) included all patients younger than 3 years who were hospitalized in Clinic for Pediatric Surgery Niš with diagnosis of the acute appendicitis. Out of 2533 patients with disease, 58 (2.3%) were younger than 3 years, 23 were girls (39.7%) and 35 were boys (60.3%). Perforated appendicitis was found in 55 (94.8%) of 58 children. Thirty five (60.5%) patients were previously treated. Complications developed in 36 (62.1%) cases: purulence (58.3%), dehiscence (22.3%), abdominal wall abscess (13.8%), and ileus (5.6%). Acute appendicitis is very specific condition that needs high attention by all doctors engaged in pediatric health care. Our recommendation is "to admit and observe" by using the physical examination in all suspected cases. Sometimes, even sedation may be used for better palpation results.

Keywords

• acute appendicitis
• perforation
• children younger than 3 years