ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of a 19-year-old male who is presented with lower right-sided abdominal pain. This patient has acute appendicitis. Obstruction of the appendix lumen results in a closed loop and inflammation; this can cause appendix necrosis and perforation. The commonest causes are lymphoid hyperplasia or a faecolith (appendicolith). Rarely it can be a presentation of a tumour such as appendiceal carcinoid tumour. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis is indicated if there is diagnostic uncertainty. This should be discussed with the radiologist, especially in young patients. Symptom management of abdominal pain includes titrated intravenous opioids, intravenous anti-emetics and fluid. The use of ambulatory surgical care is becoming more common, which allows well patients to return the next day and have repeat blood tests to see if inflammatory markers have risen and further imaging as indicated.
