What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix, a small finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and infected. It most commonly affects children, teenagers and young adults, but can occur at any age.

If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to rupture of the appendix, causing infection to spread within the abdomen (peritonitis), which is potentially life-threatening. For this reason, early diagnosis and prompt medical management are essential.

Ultrasound imaging is commonly used as a first-line investigation, particularly in children, young adults and pregnant patients.

When appendicitis assessment is required

Urgent assessment for appendicitis is recommended when symptoms suggest acute abdominal inflammation.

You should seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience:

• Sudden abdominal pain, often starting near the navel
• Pain moving to the lower right side of the abdomen
• Worsening pain with movement or coughing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever or chills
• Abdominal tenderness or guarding
• Diarrhoea or constipation with pain

Suspected appendicitis is a medical emergency and should not be ignored.

How appendicitis is assessed

Assessment may include:

• Clinical examination
• Blood tests to assess inflammation
• Abdominal ultrasound to visualise the appendix
• Further imaging if required

Ultrasound helps identify an enlarged, inflamed appendix, surrounding fluid, or signs of complications. While ultrasound is highly useful, further imaging may sometimes be required depending on findings and clinical presentation.

Benefits of early appendicitis diagnosis

• Reduces risk of appendix rupture
  Early treatment prevents serious complications.
• Supports timely surgical decision-making
  Enables prompt referral for treatment.
• Minimises infection spread
  Reduces risk of peritonitis.
• Improves recovery outcomes
  Early intervention leads to faster recovery.
• Avoids unnecessary delays
  Clarifies cause of abdominal pain.
• Non-invasive diagnostic support
  Ultrasound avoids radiation exposure.
• Useful in children and pregnancy
  Safe and effective imaging option.
• Supports urgent clinical pathways
  Critical for emergency care planning.

Understanding appendicitis assessment results

Normal findings

The appendix appears normal, with no signs of inflammation.

Typical report:

• No sonographic evidence of appendicitis

Suspected appendicitis

The appendix appears enlarged or inflamed, with local tenderness.

Typical report:

• Findings suspicious for acute appendicitis

Urgent surgical review is required.

Complicated appendicitis

Signs of rupture, abscess or surrounding fluid may be present.

Typical report:

• Complicated appendicitis suspected

Immediate hospital management is essential.