Overview

• Most common cause of abdominal pain in childhood (rare in those <3 years old).
• Aetiology → faecolith (can be seen on AXR) or perforation.

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features

• Central abdominal pain radiating to RIF.
• Low-grade pyrexia.
• Vomiting.
• Generalised guarding → perforation.

Investigations

• If female → pregnancy test.
• Urine dip may be positive for leukoyctes and nitrites.

Management Plan

• Surgical Emergency → immediate admission for monitoring.
• NBM + IV Fluids + Analgesia (consider IV Abx).
• DEFINITIVE → appendectomy without delay.