Missed Diagnosis of Appendicitis

The diagnosis of appendicitis is fairly straightforward. The patient usually presents with mid-abdominal cramping pain that localizes, within 12 to 24 hours to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. A rectal examination usually documents pain in the right lower side. A pelvic examination helps to rule out an infection of the Fallopian tubes (usually from gonorrhea). The temperature is usually about 100 degrees, and the white blood count is slightly elevated.

When in doubt, surgery is warranted. As the hours’ pass, there is a risk of the infected appendix rupturing (perforating), resulting in an intra-abdominal abscess and risk of death. In children, the passage from the onset of appendicitis to perforation is usually less than 24 hours, and their risk of widespread intra-abdominal infection is much greater than in an adult.