8 Questions
Which of the following is the most common surgical presentation to an Emergency Department?
Acute appendicitis
What is the incidence of appendicitis worldwide?
~100/100,000
Which gender has a higher lifetime risk of appendicitis?
Males
At what age does the peak incidence of appendicitis occur?
Teens and early 20s
What is the most common cause of luminal obstruction in acute appendicitis?
Faecolith
Which layer of the appendix is affected by bacterial invasion in acute appendicitis?
Submucosa
What can further ischaemia in acute appendicitis lead to?
All of the above
What can happen when bacterial spread occurs within the peritoneum in acute appendicitis?
Formation of a peri-appendiceal abscess
Study Notes
Appendicitis
- The most common surgical presentation to an Emergency Department is acute appendicitis.
Epidemiology of Appendicitis
- The incidence of appendicitis worldwide is approximately 100-200 cases per 100,000 people.
- Males have a higher lifetime risk of appendicitis.
Demographics of Appendicitis
- The peak incidence of appendicitis occurs between 10-20 years of age.
Pathophysiology of Acute Appendicitis
- The most common cause of luminal obstruction in acute appendicitis is faecolith.
- Bacterial invasion affects the mucosal layer of the appendix, leading to acute appendicitis.
- Further ischaemia in acute appendicitis can lead to gangrene.
Complications of Acute Appendicitis
- When bacterial spread occurs within the peritoneum in acute appendicitis, it can lead to peritonitis.
Test your knowledge on acute appendicitis with this quiz! Learn about the definition, epidemiology, and more related to this common surgical condition.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
