Acute gastrointestinal emergencies requiring surgery in children

Abstract

Background: Although abdominal pain is common in the paediatric age group, problems of misdiagnosis and serious consequences are more particular in an
emergency setting. This study examined the aetiologies of acute abdominal emergencies in children. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 100 children below the age of 12 years presenting with acute abdominal emergencies (gastrointestinal) requiring
operative interventions. All patients were operated on an emergency basis and the intraoperative fi ndings were correlated with the clinical fi ndings. Results: Acute abdominal emergencies in the paediatric age group were heterogenous, with a myriad of aetiological factors. Overall, 73% of patients were greater than 3 years of age. Early neonatal period formed the second most common group (12%). Acute appendicitis was the most common
cause except in the infancy period where congenital abnormalities predominated. Conclusion: The correct diagnosis of acute abdomen in children requires attention
to clinical details and a high degree of suspicion. Early surgical intervention in doubtful cases may be necessary to solve diagnostic problems...

Keywords: Abdominal emergencies, aetiology, children

African Journal of Paediatric Surgery Vol. 5 (2) 2008: pp. 61-64