The protrusion that ends in the first part of the large intestine and is known as the duodenum is called the ‘appendix’. Inflammation occurs due to obstruction of the inside of the appendix due to factors such as lymph nodes, petrified stools, foreign bodies and parasites, and this picture is called ‘appendicitis’. Acute appendicitis, which is most common in the 6-12 age group, is the first cause of abdominal pain requiring surgery in children.
STRICTLY SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN PAIN RELIEF
Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Başak Erginel warned that early diagnosis of appendicitis in children is extremely important and said, “The most important element of the diagnosis in appendicitis is the physician’s abdominal examination. Therefore, parents should definitely not give painkillers to the child who has stomachache, they should not take this complaint lightly and consult a doctor.
Because in case of delay in the diagnosis of appendicitis, serious abdominal infection may occur, then the recovery period may take a long time, and even worse, the child’s life may be endangered.
PAIN CAN SPREAD THE ENTIRE BELT
The most typical symptom of appendicitis is pain in the abdomen. Appendicitis pain first starts around the navel, then settles in the lower right abdomen. In ruptured appendicitis, the pain radiates to the entire abdomen. Assoc. Dr. Başak Erginel says that abdominal pain can be accompanied by complaints such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever.
ATTENTION IF THE LEGS ARE DRAWING TO THE HOSPITAL
Since there is no definitive method for diagnosing appendicitis, a doctor’s examination is of vital importance. Radiologic examinations such as blood tests, ultrasound, x-rays and, in some cases, computed tomography help in making the diagnosis. Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Başak Erginel pointed out that it is extremely difficult to diagnose appendicitis in pediatric patients and said, “Despite the presence of acute appendicitis, the normal values of white blood cell count, which is a symptom of appendicitis, in 20 percent of children makes the diagnosis difficult. In addition, the inability of young children to express their abdominal pain causes difficulties in diagnosis. Therefore, parents should be careful about problems such as crying with their legs on their stomach and difficulty in sucking the breast,” she says.
THERE MAY ALSO BE OTHER DISEASES!
Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Başak Erginel emphasized that the common symptoms of appendicitis with other diseases such as intestinal infection, intestinal knotting and rotation of the ovum make the diagnosis difficult, and said, “This situation can cause unnecessary drug use. can be life threatening. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of abdominal pain is of vital importance.
HOW IS APPENDICIT TREATMENT IN CHILDREN?
The treatment of appendicitis is a surgical method. Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Başak Erginel, stating that ‘appendectomy’ can be done with open or closed method in appendicitis table, continues as follows: “This method is the process of removing the appendix completely by placing a knot at the root of the duodenum. In ruptured appendicitis, after cleaning the abdomen after appendectomy, a drain can be placed in the abdomen, and this drain is removed after a few days. If the operation was performed before the appendix burst, it is sufficient for the child to stay in the hospital for one day. In cases where appendicitis has burst, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital for 3-4 days, as antibiotic treatment is needed.” Stating that it did not cause any problems after the removal of appendicitis, Assoc. Dr. Başak Erginel, “Children are exempted from physical education for up to two months after closed surgery and up to six months in open surgeries.” says.