Appendicitis

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Patients often present with migratory abdominal pain. The initial pain is typically vague, central abdominal pain later localising to the right lower quadrant. Timely diagnosis and referral to secondary care is a key process in its management, particularly in patient groups presenting atypically, notably children, pregnant women and elderly patients. Clinicians in primary care can use observations, urinalysis and clinical risk scores to help guide decision making.