Gastrointestinal System

Acute Appendicitis – Condensed Summary 1. Etiology Luminal obstruction is the most common cause (≥50%) Fecalith (appendicolith) Lymphoid hyperplasia (especially in children and young adults) Rare: tumor, parasite, foreign body Obstruction → continued mucus secretion → ↑ intraluminal pressure → impaired venous return → ischemia + bacterial overgrowth → risk of perforation 2. Pathophysiology Obstruction + inflammation → wall edema → lumen dilatation (>6 mm) Advanced stage: necr