Surgical Questions and Answers

Free Medical and Surgical Questions And Answers

3. In which age group does acute appendicitis occur and why?

Correct answer:

As the appendix in the infant is wide mouthed and well drained, and as the lumen of the appendix is almost obliterated in old age, appendicitis at the two extremes of life is relatively rare. However, when it does occur in these age groups it is poorly tolerated, and often diagnosed late.