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Clinical features of acute appendicitis in the elderly

Authoring team

The clinical features of acute appendicitis in the elderly are masked by:

  • laxity of the abdominal musculature and hence late or non-development of rigidity
  • typically slower presentation of other classical symptoms
  • delayed presentation because pain is ascribed by patient to constipation and laxatives are taken instead
  • similarity of presentation to intestinal obstruction, which is more common in this age group; enemas prescribed for obstruction may enhance peritonitis

Consequently, elderly patients with acute appendicitis tend to present later in the course of the illness and have a worse prognosis.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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