Appendicitis overview
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Appendicitis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Appendicitis On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Appendicitis |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Appendicitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, most require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. In untreated cases, mortality is high mainly due to peritonitis and shock. Reginald Fitz first described acute appendicitis in 1886, and it has been recognized as one of the most common causes of acute abdomen pain worldwide. Appendicitis is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, anorexia, fever, and nausea or vomiting