Controversies in Pediatric Appendicitis

Book excerpt: Although appendicitis is the leading cause of an acute surgical abdomen in children, many areas of controversy exist in diagnosis and medical and surgical management of this condition. Written in a practical, easy-to-use format, Controversies in Pediatric Appendicitis provides a thorough overview of these debated issues, careful to include perspectives on every aspect of care. The book begins with an introductory framework that examines the history of pediatric appendicitis, the epidemiology of disease, defining a complicated diagnosis, the role and efficacy of laboratories in diagnosis, and use and overuse of radiographic imaging for appendicitis. Later chapters cover antibiotic selection, surgical approaches to appendicitis, non-operative management of acute and perforated appendicitis, discussion of potential complications, as well as appendicitis in special pediatric situations like malignancy and other instances of immune suppression. Each chapter follows a similar format, beginning with clinical vignettes and concluding with pearls and pitfalls to provide readers with necessary clinical grounding and context with which to examine each of these areas of current controversy. A unique, first-of-its-kind book, Controversies in Pediatric Appendicitis is an ideal resource for pediatric surgeons, interventional radiologists, emergency room specialists, and all providers and surgeons that care for children with appendicitis.