Appendicitis in children

What is the cause of the attack of appendicitis in children?

It is an inflammation of a small segment of the intestine a few millimeters (ten) long and wide. This growth is located at the beginning of the large intestine (right end, at the level of the cecum). Sometimes this part called therefore ” appendix Can be infected. It is appendicitis. And it can sometimes lead to an operation. The condition is sometimes unexplained, but most of the time it is due to a bacterial infection.

Pain on the side: what are the first symptoms of appendicitis in children?

Appendicitis can present with several symptoms. If your child has fever(around 38 ° C), severe abdominal pain, nausea, or even vomiting, it is better to consult your doctor promptly. This is’an acute attack of appendicitis. Other signs to detect appendicitis: difficulty walking, the reflex of keeping the thigh slightly bent on the stomach when lying down. Finally, during a simple crisis, the child may have pain but only from time to time, hence the difficulty in detecting the infection.

Blood test, ultrasound … How does the doctor diagnose children’s appendicitis?

In addition to all of the symptoms described, your doctor will perform a palpation of the abdomen which is usually sufficient to make a diagnosis. In some cases of more acute appendicitis and therefore more difficult to detect, the doctor may order additional tests such as a blood test or a scan. Hospital monitoring is often necessary.

At what age can you be operated on for appendicitis?

An attack of appendicitis can appear at any age but it is rare before 3 years. The operation remains benign, even for a toddler. It is the most practiced each year in France.

What does the operation for appendicitis involve?

It must be carried out in the slightest doubt to avoid any risk of peritonitis (a perforated abscess that spreads pus into the abdominal cavity).

The operation can take place using two techniques.

The surgeon makes an incision a few centimeters long on the lower and right part of the abdomen which allows the appendix to be removed, or he proceeds a pair of celestial bodies. It is the most widespread technique today. It consists in introducing a tube equipped with an optical system connected to a camera by a small umbilical incision. The appendix is ​​thus removed with very fine instruments.

In both cases, the intervention is performed under general anesthesia and hospitalization is only a few days.