Acute appendicitis in childhood.

Acute appendicitis is the only common surgical condition found in children above the age of two, therefore if acute appendicitis can be ruled out, it is likely that the child does not need emergency surgery. Information can be obtained by close observation of the child's movements-he is not likely to be cooperative under questioning or examination. History of symptoms is important, laboratory tests may be helpful, but above all the physician should bear in mind the alternatives to appendicitis and rule these out before he decides on surgery.