Appendicitis

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in childhood. Appendicitis may present at any age, although it is uncommon in preschool children. Approximately one-third of children with acute appendicitis have perforation by the time of operation. Despite improved fl uid resuscitation and better antibiotics, appendicitis in children, especially in preschool children, is still associated with signifi cant morbidity. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.