Appendicitis

K35.0-3/K35.8-9/K37

• Description
• General measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

This is characterised by inflammation of the appendix, and usually requires urgent surgical intervention.
Clinical features

• Sudden peri-umbilical pain often migrating to the right iliac fossa.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fever.
• Constipation or occasionally diarrhoea.
• Bloated abdomen.
• Rebound tenderness, guarding and rigidity.
• Right iliac fossa tenderness.
• Right iliac fossa rebound pain.
• Severe persistent abdominal pain.

GENERAL MEASURES

Keep nil per mouth.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Hydrate if required:

• Sodium chloride, 0.9%, IV.

REFERRAL

• All patients.