PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF APPENDICITIS

Fecal mass/Fecalith Lymphoid Hyperplasia Parasites Tumor Foreign materials

Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen

Decreased drainage of mucus secretions; mucus builds up

Increased intraluminal pressure

Decreased blood flow to appendix (ischemia)

Decreased O2 delivery to appendix (hypoxia)

Ulceration (lesion) of the appendix mucosal lining

CBC with
differential
Bacterial (and other microbial) invasion of the appendix wall

Release of Activation of
chemical medulla vomiting
mediators Inflammation and swelling of the appendix center

ç
Abdominal UTZ,
CT scan, MRI
Diffuse, peri- Distention Nausea
umbilical pain
APPENDICITIS

ç Irritation of parietal
peritoneum

Gangrene of the appendix

Right lower quadrant pain

Perforation

Peritonitis

Death