Pain that often begins around the navel and settles in the lower right abdomen; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; a low-grade fever; pain that is worse with movement, coughing or bumps in the car. In younger children the picture can be vaguer, which is part of why appendicitis is sometimes missed early.
An inflamed appendix can perforate. That makes both the illness and the recovery considerably more involved, so a child with worsening abdominal pain should be assessed rather than watched at home.
Examination and blood tests, with ultrasound used first in children to avoid radiation. CT or MRI is used occasionally when the picture is unclear.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is the standard operation, performed through a small number of tiny incisions. Some uncomplicated cases may be treated with antibiotics first; whether that is appropriate is an individual decision discussed with the family.
After an uncomplicated appendectomy most children go home within a day or two, return to school in about a week and to full activity in two to three weeks. A perforated appendix usually means a longer stay with intravenous antibiotics.
Abdominal pain that is persistent and worsening, particularly in the lower right side, especially with fever or vomiting.
Pediatric appendicitis care at Surgery Group LA is provided by Dr. Philip K. Frykman, MD, FACS. See all pediatric surgery services.
It should be assessed the same day. Delay increases the chance of perforation.
A laparoscopic appendectomy uses very small incisions that usually fade considerably over time.
Selected uncomplicated cases may be managed with antibiotics, but surgery remains the standard treatment and is discussed case by case.
Surgery Group LA's pediatric surgery team sees patients at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers, 8635 W 3rd St, Suite 880W, Los Angeles, CA 90048, on the Cedars-Sinai campus in Beverly Grove. The office is minutes from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire and Hollywood, and a short drive from Santa Monica, Brentwood and Culver City. Consultations take place in the office; surgery is performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Virtual consultations are available for patients traveling from farther away.
More importantly, our team of world-renowned surgeons have saved countless lives, and have enabled countless more to live healthy, happy lives.
