Appendix Pathology

Question 1

at what age do problems of the appendix cause mortality?

Answer 1

extremes of age

Question 2

how does acute appendicitis usually present?

Answer 2

initially:
ill defined symptoms (nausea, anorexia, central abdominal pain)
ie visceral pain
progression to:
right iliac fossa pain
ie parietal pain

Question 3

why does acute appendicitis progress from visceral pain to parietal pain?

Answer 3

because the peritonium has become inflamed making pain parietal

Question 4

what is the point where acute appendicitis is felt most?

Answer 4

1/3 from ASIS to umbilicus

McBurney’s point

Question 5

what are the treatment options of acute appendicitis?

Answer 5

laparoscopic appendicectomy
or
open appendicectomy

Question 6

what is the treatment of a carcinoid tumour of the appendix found at the tip of the appendix?

Answer 6

appendicectomy

Question 7

what is the treatment of a carcinoid tumour of the appendix found at the base of the appendix?

Answer 7

right hemicolectomy

Question 8

what does a high temperature or tachycardia suggest in terms of appendicitis?

Answer 8

complications such perforation or peritonitis

Question 9

what is Rosvings sign of appendicitis?

Answer 9

pressing on the left causes pain in the right