Appendicitis

Diagnosis, laparoscopic appendectomy, and complications

Classic migration of pain is helpful — absence of classic signs does not exclude appendicitis.

Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency caused by inflammation of the appendix. Pain often begins near the umbilicus and migrates to the right lower quadrant, with anorexia, nausea, or low-grade fever — but atypical locations and presentations are frequent. Clinical judgment plus ultrasound or CT guides timing of laparoscopic appendectomy. Perforation and abscess change antibiotics, drainage decisions, and sometimes operative strategy. Pathology after removal occasionally reveals unexpected findings; histology is not a formality. Most uncomplicated cases recover quickly after keyhole surgery.