Acute appendicitis in children

The clinical course of acute appendicitis in children is more severe than in adults. Acute appendicitis is rather difficult to diagnose, complications develop more quickly after it. Therefore, at the first pain in the stomach, it is necessary to consult a doctor. About the features of the occurrence of acute appendicitis in children, symptoms and treatment of the disease - in the article of the doctor, pediatric surgeon of the highest category of MM ""Dobrobut"" Vysotsky Ihor Anatoliyovych.

What is important for parents to know about acute appendicitis in children?

Acute appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. This is the most common disease in children that requires urgent surgical care. Children of all ages can suffer from acute appendicitis. The disease is quite rare in babies under one year due to the anatomical and physiological features of the structure of the appendix and the nature of the diet (liquid food). Most often, appendicitis is diagnosed at the age of 8-12 years.

The clinical picture of acute appendicitis in children depends on the individual reaction of the body, the anatomical features of the location of the appendix and the age of the child. Diagnosing appendicitis in babies is quite difficult, especially at an early age. This is explained by the fact that children cannot yet clearly formulate their complaints, clearly express their reaction to the doctor's examination and manipulations. Therefore, it is important that the surgeon has a thorough command of the examination technique, has sufficient experience in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and is also able to establish trusting contact with the child.

Main symptoms of acute appendicitis: what to pay attention to?

1. You should be alarmed by the change in the child's general condition. She may become weak, she may experience drowsiness and decreased appetite. Also, a child, especially at an early age, on the contrary, can be restless.
2. The main symptom of acute appendicitis is abdominal pain. They can occur both in the projection of the appendix and in the peri-umbilical region (in the younger age group). The child may also complain of pain in the subcostal area on the right, lumbar, in the projection of the bladder and others, depending on the location of the process and the development of complications.
3. The body temperature rises from 37C to 38-40C (in young children and when complications develop).
4. Vomiting (both single and repeated) in young children can also be a sign of acute appendicitis.
5. Pay attention to the delay of bowel movement or its dilution. The disease can be manifested by this symptom in the pelvic location of the appendix.
6. With the symptoms listed above, the child has tense abdominal muscles.
7. Acute appendicitis manifests itself as an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood.

Treatment of acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis in children is treated only operatively. The decision to perform the operation is made after an additional examination of the child, and the actual intervention is preceded by preoperative preparation.

Open (classical) and laparoscopic (minimally invasive) methods of operations are known. The gold standard in the treatment of acute appendicitis and its complications worldwide is currently laparoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive methods allow significantly shortening the treatment period, are the least traumatic, significantly reduce the risk of adhesion disease, and have other advantages.

How is recovery after surgery?

The recovery period lasts one to two months and depends on the method of surgical treatment, the form of acute appendicitis and the degree of complications. In the postoperative period, it is possible to use antibacterial, detoxification, pain-relieving physiotherapy. To prevent complications during the rehabilitation period, it is recommended to limit physical activity, follow a diet with gradual expansion. After antibacterial therapy, probiotics are prescribed, and in the case of destructive forms of the disease, adhesion prevention is carried out.

Important to know!

Do not give the child painkillers if he complains of stomach pain. It is possible to use an antispasmodic (no-shpa, riabal, etc.). If the antispasmodic did not relieve the condition, and the pain in the stomach does not go away within an hour, it is necessary to immediately show the child to a specialist - a pediatrician or a children's surgeon.

To make an appointment with a doctor, contact the contact center of Dobrobut Medical Center: 044 495 2 888 or 097 495 2 888.