| [ Summary ] |
Acute appendicitis is a common disease in children. In general, children express refusal to have their abdomens palpated and it is difficult to diagnose becausethey express other complaints such as indefinate abdominal pain. New techniques and knowledge related to early diagnosis are little different from the old methods, therefore, the grounds for diagnosis are based on the findings from palpation in most cases. However, improvements in ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography technologies are enabling us to diagnose not only acute appendicitis but also to establish histopathological classifications. We have created a diagnostic criterion for distinct histopathological classification using color Doppler US and analysis of wave motion on the wall of the appendix. Catarrhalis appendicitis which should not be operated on is distinguishable from other types of appendicitis. In other cases the popularization of laparoscopic surgery has influenced the treatment of acute appendicitis. We have operated using the one port method, in which the appendix is pulled out through the extra abdominal cavity in the umbilical region, at which time the appendectomy is performed. |