ACUTE APPENDICITIS

Question 1

what is the peritoneum?

Answer 1

broad serous membranous sac surrounded by connective tissue that holds digestive organs within abdominal cavity in plaace

Question 2

what are the 2 regions of peritoneum?

Answer 2

1. parietal peritoneum- lines abdominal wall
2. visceral peritoneum- envelops abdominal organs

Question 3

what are the 5 major peritoneal folds?

Answer 3

greater omentum, lesser omentum, falciform ligament, mesentery, mesocolon

Question 4

what does the watery fluid in the peritoneum do?

Answer 4

acts as lubricant to minimize friction between surfaces

Question 5

what is the appendix?

Answer 5

finger like, blind-ended tube extending from cecum in RLQ

Question 6

what are functions of the appendix?

Answer 6

1. contains lymphoid tissue and is primary site for IgA production, which is vital for maintaining homeostasis of intestinal flora
2. rich in biofilms and continuously sheds healthy bacteria into intestinal lumen
3. can be used as replacement bladder

Question 7

what are the positions of the appendix?

Answer 7

1. pre-ileal: anterior to terminal ileum- 1 or 2 o clock
2. post-ileal: posterior to terminal ileum- 1 or 2 o clock
3. sub-ileal: parallel with terminal ileum- 3 o clock
4. pelvic: descending over pelvic brim- 5 o clock
5. subcecal: below cecum- 6 o clock
6. paracecal: alongside lateral border of cecum- 10 o clock
7. retrocecal- behind cecum- 11 o clock

Question 8

what is the most common location of the appendix?

Answer 8

retrocecal

Question 9

what is the age presentation of acute appendicitis?

Answer 9

10-30

Question 10

acute appendicitis is the most common…

Answer 10

acute surgical problem in peds population
non-obstetric surgical emergency during pregnancy

Question 11

what is the etiology and pathophys of acute appendicitis?

Answer 11

luminal obstruction -> fecalith, lymphoid hyperplasia, tumors (benign or malignant)