Does a 7-year-old with appendicitis need surgery?

Children diagnosed with appendicitis at the age of 7 usually need surgical treatment, especially acute appendicitis, because delayed treatment may lead to serious complications such as appendicitis rupture and spread of infection. The surgical methods mainly include traditional open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, combined with drug treatment. For cases with mild symptoms and early diagnosis, conservative treatment can also be selected according to the doctor's opinion, but the condition needs to be closely monitored.

1What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an infectious inflammation of the appendix, which is mostly caused by a blockage of the appendix. Bacteria multiply in the blocked area and cause inflammation. Common symptoms include pain in the right lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, etc. For children, since it is difficult to accurately describe the symptoms, you need to be alert to more vague manifestations, such as crying, abdominal distension or loss of appetite. The diagnosis depends on physical examination and auxiliary examinations such as ultrasound or CT.

2Why is surgery necessary?

Surgical treatment is the standard option for appendicitis. Acute appendicitis may lead to perforation, peritonitis, and even life-threatening symptoms within hours to days.

Laparotomy: Suitable for children with complicated conditions, such as a perforated appendix or a large area of ​​infection.

Laparoscopic surgery: A minimally invasive surgical method with less trauma and quick recovery, suitable for most pediatric cases.

Drug-assisted treatment: Antibiotics are used after surgery to prevent infection and help speed up recovery.

3Is there an option for conservative treatment?

For some mild cases, your doctor may recommend antibiotics and bed rest with regular checkups. However, studies have shown that conservative treatments have a higher recurrence rate and you may still need surgery, so surgery is often a more radical treatment option.

4 Postoperative Diet and Recovery Recommendations

After surgery, parents need to cooperate with doctors to adjust their children's diet and activities:

Early liquid or semi-liquid diet, such as rice soup, vegetable puree, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.

Avoid strenuous exercise within one week after surgery, gradually resume activity according to the doctor's advice, strengthen care of the child's wound area, and prevent infection.

If a 7-year-old child is diagnosed with appendicitis, surgery is the most effective treatment. Parents should follow the doctor's advice and intervene as soon as possible to avoid delays that may lead to serious consequences. After the operation, careful care and proper rest will help the child recover faster. If similar symptoms are found, seek medical attention in a timely manner for a clear diagnosis.