Appendicitis: Difference between revisions
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{{DiseaseDisorder infobox | |
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Name = Appendicitis | |
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ICD10 = {{ICD10|K|35||k|35}} - {{ICD10|K|37||k|35}} | |
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ICD9 = {{ICD9|540}}-{{ICD9|543}} | |
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MedlinePlus = 000256 | |
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DiseasesDB = 885 | |
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eMedicineSubj = med | |
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eMedicineTopic = 3430 | |
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eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|emerg|41}} {{eMedicine2|ped|127}} {{eMedicine2|ped|2925}} | |
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MeshName = Appendicitis | |
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MeshNumber = C06.405.205.099 | |
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}} |
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'''Appendicitis''' (or '''epityphlitis''') is a condition characterized by [[inflammation]] of the [[Vermiform appendix|appendix]]. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, most require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by [[laparotomy]] or [[laparoscopy]]. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to [[peritonitis]] and [[Shock (medical)|shock]].<ref name="Hobler">{{cite journal |last=Hobler |first=K. |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1998 |month=Spring |title=Acute and Suppurative Appendicitis: Disease Duration and its Implications for Quality Improvement |journal=Permanente Medical Journel |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages= |id= |url= |accessdate= |quote= }}</ref> Reginald Fitz first described acute appendicitis in 1886,<ref> Fitz, RH. Perforating inflammation of the vermiform appendix with special reference to its early diagnosis and treatment. Am J Med Sci 1886; 92:321 </ref> and it has been recognized as one of the most common causes of acute abdomen pain worldwide. |
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[[Image:Acute Appendicitis.jpg|right|thumb|An acutely inflamed and enlarged appendix, sliced lengthwise]] |
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==Causes== |
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[[Image:Stomach colon rectum diagram.svg|right|thumb|Location of the appendix in the [[digestive system]]]] |
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On the basis of experimental evidence, acute appendicitis seems to be the end result of a primary obstruction of the appendix [[Lumen (anatomy)|lumen]]<ref> Wangensteen OH, Bowers WF. Significance of the obstructive factor in the genesis of acute appendicitis. Arch Surg 1937;34:496-526 </ref><ref> Pieper R, Kager L, Tidefelt U.Obstruction of appendix vermiformis causing acute appendicitis: An experimental study in rabbit. Acta Chir Scand 1982;148:63-72 </ref>. Once this obstruction occurs the appendix subsequently becomes filled with [[mucus]] and swells, increasing pressures within the lumen and the walls of the appendix, resulting in [[thrombosis]] and [[occlusion]] of the small vessels, and stasis of [[Lymphatic system|lymphatic flow]]. Rarely, spontaneous recovery can occur at this point. As the former progresses, the appendix becomes [[Ischemia|ischemic]] and then [[Necrosis|necrotic]]. As [[bacteria]] begin to leak out through the dying walls, [[pus]] forms within and around the appendix (suppuration). The end result of this cascade is appendiceal rupture causing [[peritonitis]], which may lead to [[sepsis|septicemia]] and eventually [[death]]. Among the causative agents, such as foreign bodies, [[physical trauma|trauma]], [[Intestinal parasite|intestinal worms]], and [[Lymphadenopathy|lymphadenitis]], the occurrence of an [[Fecaloma|obstructing fecalith]] has attracted attention. The prevalence of fecaliths in patients with appendicitis is significantly higher in developed than in developing countries<ref> Jones BA, Demetriades D, Segal I, Burkitt DP. The prevalence of appendiceal fecaliths in patients with and without appendicitis: A comparative study from Canada and South Africa. Ann Surg 1985;202:80-2 </ref>, and an appendiceal fecalith is commonly associated with complicated appendicitis<ref> Nitecki S, Karmeli R, Sarr MG. Appendiceal calculi and fecaliths as indications for appendectomy. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1990;171:185-8 </ref>. Also, fecal stasis and arrest may play a role, as demonstrated by a significantly lower number of bowel movements per week in patients with acute appendicitis compared with healthy controls<ref> Arnbjoernson E. Acute appendicitis related to fecal stasis. Ann Chir Gynecol 1985;74:90-3 </ref>. |
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The occurrence of a fecalith in the appendix seems to be attributed to a right sided fecal retention reservoir in the colon and a prolonged transit time<ref> Raahave D, Christensen E, Moeller H. Origin of acute appendicitis: Fecal retention in colonic reservoirs: A case control study. Surg Infect 2007;8:55-61 </ref>. From epidemiological data it has been stated that diverticular disease and adenomatous polyps were unknown and colon cancer exceedingly rare in communities exempt for appendicitis<ref> Burkitt DP. The aethiology of appendicitis. Br J Surg 1971;58:695-9 </ref><ref> Segal I, Walker ARP. Diverticular disease in urban Africans in South Africa. Digestion 1982;24:42-6 </ref>. Also, acute appendicitis has been shown to occur antecedent to cancer in the colon and rectum<ref> Arnbjoernson E. Acute appendicitis as a sign of a colorectal carcinoma. J Surg Oncol 1982;20:17-20 </ref>. Several studies offer evidence that a low fiber intake is involved in the pathogenesis of appendicitis<ref> Burkitt DP, Walker ARP, Painter NS. Effect of dietary fibre on stools and transit-times, and its role in the causation of disease. Lancet 1972;300:1408-12 </ref><ref> Adamis D, Roma-Giannikou E, Karamolegou K. Fiber intake and childhood appendicitis. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2000;51:153-7 </ref><ref>[http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/175_01_020701/hugh/hugh.html Hugh TB, Hugh TJ, "Appendicectomy — becoming a rare event?" MJA 2001; 175: 7-8]</ref>. This is in accordance with the occurrence of a right sided fecal reservoir and that dietary fiber reduces transit time<ref> Gear JSS, Brodribb AJM, Ware A. Fiber and bowel transit times. Br J Nutr 1981;45:77-82 </ref>. |
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== Symptoms == |
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Symptoms of acute appendicitis can be classified into two types, typical and atypical.<ref name="Hobler"/> The typical history includes [[abdominal pain|pain]] starting centrally (periumbilical) before localizing to the [[right iliac fossa]] (the lower right side of the abdomen); this is due to the poor localizing (spatial) property of visceral nerves from the mid-gut, followed by the involvement of somatic nerves (parietal peritoneum) as the inflammation progresses. The pain is usually associated with loss of appetite and [[fever]], although the latter isn't a necessary symptom. [[Nausea]] or [[vomiting]] may occur. With the typical type, diagnosis is easier to make, surgery occurs earlier and findings are often less severe.<ref name="Hobler"/> |
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Atypical symptoms may include pain beginning and staying in the right iliac fossa, [[diarrhea]] and a more prolonged, smoldering course. If an inflamed appendix lies in contact with the bladder, there is frequency of [[micturition]]. With post-ileal appendix, marked retching may occur. |
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==Signs== |
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These include localized findings in the right iliac fossa. The abdominal wall becomes very sensitive to gentle pressure (palpation). Also, there is rebound tenderness. In case of a retrocecal appendix, however, even deep pressure in the right lower quadrant may fail to elicit tenderness (silent appendix), the reason being that the [[cecum]], distended with gas, prevents the pressure exerted by the palpating hand from reaching the inflamed appendix. Similarly, if the appendix lies entirely within the pelvis, there is usually complete absence of the abdominal rigidity. In such cases, a digital rectal examination elicits tenderness in the rectovesical pouch. |
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Coughing causes point tenderness in this area (McBurney's Point) and this is the least painful way to localize the inflamed appendix. If the abdomen on palpation is also involuntarily guarded (rigid), there should be a strong suspicion of [[peritonitis]] requiring urgent surgical intervention. |
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Other signs are: |
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===Rovsing's sign=== |
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Deep palpation of the left iliac fossa may cause pain in the right iliac fossa. Also known as: |
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Rovsing's symptom named after Niels Thorkild Rovsing. This sign is used in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Pressure over the descending colon causes pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. <ref> |
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N. T. Rovsing: |
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Indirektes Hervorrufen des typischen Schmerzes an McBurney's Punkt. Ein Beitrag zur diagnostik der Appendicitis und Typhlitis. |
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Zentralblatt für Chirurgie, Leipzig, 1907, 34: 1257-1259.</ref> |
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===Psoas sign=== |
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Occasionally, an inflamed appendix lies on the [[psoas]] muscle and the patient will lie with the right hip flexed for pain relief. |
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===Obturator sign=== |
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If an inflamed appendix is in contact with the [[obturator internus]], spasm of the muscle can be demonstrated by flexing and internally rotating the hip. This manouvre will cause pain in the [[hypogastrium]]. |
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==Investigations== |
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{{refimprove|date=February 2007}} |
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Diagnosis is based on patient history (symptoms) and physical examination backed by an elevation of neutrophilic white blood cells. Atypical histories often require imaging with ultrasound and/or CT scanning.<ref name ="Hobler"/> A pregnancy test is vital in all women of child bearing age, as [[Ectopic pregnancy|ectopic pregnancies]] mimic appendicitis. The consequences of missing an ecoptic pregnancy are serious, and potentially life threatening. Furthermore the general principles of approaching abdominal pain in women (in so much that it is different from the approach in men), should be appreciated. |
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[[Ultrasonography]] and [[Doppler sonography]] provide useful means to detect appendicitis, especially in children. In some cases (15% approximately), however, ultrasonography of the [[iliac fossa]] does not reveal any abnormalities despite the presence of appendicitis. This is especially true of early appendicitis before the appendix has become significantly distended and in adults where larger amounts of fat and bowel gas make actually seeing the appendix technically difficult. Despite these limitations, in experienced hands sonographic imaging can often distinguish between appendicitis and other diseases with very similar symptoms such as [[inflammation]] of [[lymph nodes]] near the appendix or pain originating from other pelvic organs such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. |
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In places where it is readily available, [[computed tomography|CT scan]] has become the diagnostic test of choice, especially in adults whose diagnosis is not obvious on history and physical. (The use of CT in pregnant women and children is significantly limited, however, by concerns regarding radiation exposure.) A properly performed CT scan with modern equipment has a detection rate (sensitivity) of over 95% and a similar [[Specificity (tests)|specificity]]. Signs of appendicitis on CT scan include lack of oral contrast (oral dye) in the appendix, direct visualization of appendiceal enlargement (greater than 6 mm in diameter on cross section), and appendiceal wall enhancement (IV dye). The inflammation caused by appendicitis in the surrounding peritoneal fat (so called "fat stranding") can also be observed on CT, providing a mechanism to detect early appendicitis and a clue that appendicitis may be present even when the appendix is not well seen. Thus, diagnosis of appendicitis by CT is made more difficult in very thin patients and in children, both of whom tend to lack significant fat within the abdomen. The utility of CT scanning is made clear, however, by the impact it has had on negative appendectomy rates. For example, use of CT for diagnosis of appendicitis in Boston, MA has decreased the chance of finding a normal appendix at surgery from 20% in the pre-CT era to only 3% according to data from the Massachusetts General Hospital. |
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According to a systematic review from UC-San Francisco comparing ultrasound vs. CT scan, CT scan is more accurate than ultrasound for the diagnosis of appendicitis in adults and adolescents. CT scan has a [[sensitivity (tests)|sensitivity]] of 94%, [[Specificity (tests)|specificity]] of 95%, a positive likelihood ratio of 13.3 (CI, 9.9 to 17.9), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.09 (CI, 0.07 to 0.12). Ultrasonography had an overall [[sensitivity (tests)|sensitivity]] of 86%, a [[Specificity (tests)|specificity]] of 81%, a positive likelihood ratio of 5.8 (CI, 3.5 to 9.5), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.19 (CI, 0.13 to 0.27). PMID 15466771 |
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[[Matrix metalloproteinase]] (MMP) levels can be used as biomarkers of increased risk of appendiceal rupture among patients with [[acute appendicitis]] according to a [[cohort study]].<ref name="pmid18347803">{{cite journal |author=Solberg A, Holmdahl L, Falk P, Palmgren I, Ivarsson ML |title=A local imbalance between MMP and TIMP may have an implication on the severity and course of appendicitis |journal=Int J Colorectal Dis |volume= |issue= |pages= |year=2008 |pmid=18347803 |doi=10.1007/s00384-008-0452-x |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00384-008-0452-x |issn=}}</ref> MMP-1 was higher in gangrenous (p<0.05) and perforated appendicitis (p<0.01) compared with controls. MMP-9 was most abundantly expressed in inflamed appendix and reached a tenfold higher expression in all groups with appendicitis compared with controls (p<0.001). |
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A number of clinical and laboratory based scoring systems have been devised to assist diagnosis. The most widely used is [[Alvarado score]]. |
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===Alvarado score=== |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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! Symptoms |
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! |
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|- |
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| Migatory right [[iliac fossa]] pain |
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| 1 point |
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|- |
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| [[Anorexia]] |
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| 1 point |
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|- |
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| [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]] |
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| 1 point |
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|- |
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!Signs |
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! |
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|- |
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|Right iliac fossa [[tenderness (medicine)|tenderness]] |
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|2 points |
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|- |
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|[[Rebound tenderness]] |
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|1 point |
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|- |
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|[[Fever]] |
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|1 point |
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|- |
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!Laboratory |
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! |
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|- |
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|[[Leucocytosis]] |
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|2 points |
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|- |
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|Shift to left (segmented [[neutrophils]]) |
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|-1 point |
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|- |
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!Total score |
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!9 points |
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|} |
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A score of 7 or more is strongly predictive of acute appendicitis.<br> |
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In patients with an equivocal score of 5-6, CT scan further reduces the rate of negative appendicectomy. |
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==Treatment== |
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The treatment begins by keeping the patient from [[fasting|eating or drinking anything]], even water, in preparation for surgery. An intravenous drip is used to hydrate the patient. [[Antibiotic]]s given intravenously such as cefuroxime and metronidazole may be administered early to help kill bacteria and thus reduce the spread of infection in the abdomen and postoperative complications in the abdomen or wound. Equivocal cases may become more difficult to assess with antibiotic treatment and benefit from serial examinations. If the stomach is empty (no food in the past six hours) general anaesthesia is usually used. Otherwise, spinal anaesthesia may be used. |
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The [[surgery|surgical]] procedure for the removal of the appendix is called an ''[[appendicectomy]]'' (also known as an ''appendectomy''). Often now the operation can be performed via a [[laparoscopic]] approach, or via three small incisions with a camera to visualize the area of interest in the abdomen. If the findings reveal suppurative appendicitis with complications such as rupture, abscess, adhesions, etc., conversion to open laparotomy may be necessary. An open laparotomy incision if required most often centers on the area of maximum tenderess, [[McBurney's point]], in the right lower quadrant. A transverse or a gridiron diagonal incision is used most commonly. |
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In March 2008, an American woman had her appendix removed via her vagina, in a medical first [[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328135738.htm]] |
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According to a [[meta-analysis]] from the [[Cochrane Collaboration]] comparing [[laparoscopic]] and open procedures, [[laparoscopic]] procedures seem to have various advantages over the open procedure. Wound infections were less likely after [[laparoscopic]] [[appendicectomy]] than after open appendicectomy ([[odds ratio]] 0.45; CI 0.35 to 0.58), but the incidence of intraabdominal abscesses was increased ([[odds ratio]] 2.48; CI 1.45 to 4.21). The duration of surgery was 12 minutes (CI 7 to 16) longer for laparoscopic procedures. Pain on day 1 after surgery was reduced after laparoscopic procedures by 9 mm (CI 5 to 13 mm) on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Hospital stay was shortened by 1.1 day (CI 0.6 to 1.5). Return to normal activity, work, and sport occurred earlier after laparoscopic procedures than after open procedures. While the operation costs of laparoscopic procedures were significantly higher, the costs outside hospital were reduced. Young female, obese, and employed patients seem to benefit from the laparoscopic procedure more than other groups. <ref name="pmid15495014">{{cite journal |author=Sauerland S, Lefering R, Neugebauer EA |title=Laparoscopic versus open surgery for suspected appendicitis |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |volume= |issue=4 |pages=CD001546 |year=2004 |pmid=15495014 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD001546.pub2}}</ref> |
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There is debate whether Emergent [[Appendicectomy]] (within 6 hours of admission) reduces the risk of perforation or complication versus Urgent [[Appendicectomy]] (greater than 6 hours after admission). According to a retrospective case review study <ref name="pmid15017571">{{cite journal |author=Yardeni D, Hirschl RB, Drongowski RA, Teitelbaum DH, Geiger JD, Coran AG |title=Delayed versus immediate surgery in acute appendicitis: do we need to operate during the night? |journal=J. Pediatr. Surg. |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=464-9; discussion 464-9 |year=2004 |pmid=15017571 |doi= |url=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022346803008789 |issn=}}</ref> no significant differences in perforation rate among the two groups were noted (P=.397). Various complications (abscess formation, re-admission) showed no significant differences (P=0.667, 0.999). According to this study, beginning antibiotic therapy and delaying [[appendicectomy]] from the middle of the night to the next day does not significantly increase the risk of perforation or other complications. |
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Surgery may last from 15 minutes in typical appendicitis in thin patients to several hours in complicated cases. Hospital lengths of stay usually range from overnight to a matter of days (rarely weeks in complicated cases.) The pain is not always constant, in some cases it can stop for a day and then come back. |
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==Differential diagnosis== |
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'''In children:''' |
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*[[Gastroenteritis]] Mesenteric adenitis, Meckel's diverticulitis, intussuseption, Henoch-Schõnlein purpura, lobar [[pneumonia]] |
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'''In adults:''' |
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*regional enteritis, ureteric colic, perforated [[peptic ulcer]], torsion testis, pancreatitis, rectus sheath haematoma, [[pelvic inflammatory disease]], [[ectopic pregnancy]], [[endometriosis]], torsion/rupture of [[ovarian cyst]], renal colic |
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'''In elderly:''' |
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*diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, colonic carcinoma, mesenteric infarction, leaking aortic aneurysm. |
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==Prognosis== |
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Most appendicitis patients recover easily with surgical treatment, but complications can occur if treatment is delayed or if [[peritonitis]] occurs. |
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Recovery time depends on age, condition, complications, and other circumstances, including the amount of alcohol consumption, but usually is between 10 and 28 days. For young children (around 10 years old) the recovery takes three weeks. |
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The real possibility of life-threatening peritonitis is the reason why acute appendicitis warrants speedy evaluation and treatment. The patient may have to undergo a [[medical evacuation]]. Appendectomies have occasionally been performed in emergency conditions (i.e. outside of a proper hospital), when a timely medical evaluation was impossible. |
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Typical acute appendicitis responds quickly to appendectomy and occasionally will resolve spontaneously. If appendicitis resolves spontaneously, it remains controversial whether an elective interval appendectomy should be performed to prevent a recurrent episode of appendicitis. Atypical appendicitis (associated with suppurative appendicitis) is more difficult to diagnose and is more apt to be complicated even when operated early. In either condition prompt diagnosis and appendectomy yield the best results with full recovery in two to four weeks usually. Mortality and severe complications are unusual but do occur, especially if peritonitis persists and is untreated. |
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An unusual complication of an appendectomy is "stump appendicitis": inflammation occurs in the remnant appendiceal stump left after a prior, incomplete appendectomy.<ref name="pmid16536249">{{cite journal |author=Liang MK, Lo HG, Marks JL |title=Stump appendicitis: a comprehensive review of literature |journal=The American surgeon |volume=72 |issue=2 |pages=162-6 |year=2006 |pmid=16536249 |doi=}}</ref> |
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==References== |
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<references/> |
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==External links== |
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* [http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00274 Appendicitis - MayoClinic.com], from the Web site of the [[Mayo Clinic]] |
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* [http://www.surgeons.org.uk/general-surgery-tutorials/appendicitis.html Surgeons Net Education: Appendicitis, history, diagnosis and treatment] |
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* [http://appendicitis.researchtoday.net Appendicitis Research] Latest research from the literature on appendicitis |
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* [http://xnet.kp.org/permanentejournal/spring98pj/appendicitis.html Acute and Suppurative Appendicitis] from the Spring 1998 issue of The Permanente Medical Journal. |
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* [http://www.innominatesociety.com/Articles/History%20of%20Appendicitis.htm History of Appendicitis Vermiformis: Its diseases and treatment.]By Arthur C. McCarty, M.D. |
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[[Category:Inflammations]] |
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[[Category:Medical emergencies]] |
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[[Category:General surgery]] |
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<!-- interwiki --> |
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[[bg:Апендицит]] |
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[[ca:Apendicitis]] |
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[[cs:Apendicitida]] |
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[[da:Blindtarmsbetændelse]] |
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[[de:Appendizitis]] |
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[[es:Apendicitis]] |
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[[eo:Apendicito]] |
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[[fa:آپاندیسیت]] |
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[[fr:Appendicite]] |
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[[id:Apendisitis]] |
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[[ia:Appendicitis]] |
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[[it:Appendicite]] |
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[[he:דלקת התוספתן]] |
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[[lt:Apendicitas]] |
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[[nl:Blindedarmontsteking]] |
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[[new:एपेन्डिसाइटिस]] |
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[[ja:虫垂炎]] |
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[[no:Appendisitt]] |
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[[pl:Zapalenie wyrostka robaczkowego]] |
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[[pt:Apendicite]] |
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[[ro:Apendicită]] |
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[[ru:Аппендицит]] |
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[[sv:Blindtarmsinflammation]] |
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[[vi:Viêm ruột thừa]] |
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[[tr:Apandisit]] |
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[[uk:Апендицит]] |
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[[zh:阑尾炎]] |
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Revision as of 07:32, 15 April 2008
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