Appendicitis
Description General Measures Medicine Treatment Referral ICD-10 code: K35.0-3/K35.8-9/K37 DESCRIPTION This is characterised by inflammation of the appendix, and usually requires urgent surgical intervention. Clinical features include: Sudden peri-umbilical pain often migrating to the right iliac fossa. Nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite. Fever. Constipation or occasionally diarrhoea. Bloated a
ICD-10 code: K35.0-3/K35.8-9/K37
DESCRIPTION
This is characterised by inflammation of the appendix, and usually requires urgent surgical intervention.
Clinical features include:
- Sudden peri-umbilical pain often migrating to the right iliac fossa.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fever.
- Constipation or occasionally diarrhoea.
- Bloated abdomen.
- Abdominal tenderness with guarding and rigidity during peri-umbilical percussion.
- Right iliac fossa tenderness.
- Right iliac fossa rebound pain.
- Severe persistent abdominal pain.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Keep nil per mouth and stabilise as appropriate.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Hydrate if required:
- Sodium chloride, 0.9%, IV.
REFERRAL
All patients.
Click here for the NEMLC Recommendations for medicine amendments (2020-4 review cycle).
Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4_Version 1_June 2024
Chapter 2: Gastro-Intestinal Conditions, 2.6 Appendicitis