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ABDOMINAL PAIN MISTAKEN FOR DIGESTIVE DISORDER, 10-YEAR-OLD CHILD SUFFERS DANGEROUS COMPLICATION OF RUPTURED APPENDIX

ABDOMINAL PAIN MISTAKEN FOR DIGESTIVE DISORDER, 10-YEAR-OLD CHILD SUFFERS DANGEROUS COMPLICATION OF RUPTURED APPENDIX

09/04/2026

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical condition, including in children. However, a concerning issue is that initial symptoms are often vague and easily confused with other common digestive disorders, leading to complacency in monitoring and delays in intervention. Consequently, the disease can progress severely, with the appendix rupturing and leading to intra-abdominal abscesses or peritonitis, which is a severe abdominal infection capable of threatening a child's life.

Abdominal pain examined but no abnormalities detected

While traveling in Phu Quoc, a 10-year-old child named M.T.H. (from HCMC) showed signs of abdominal pain in the upper umbilical region. Suspecting a digestive disorder, the family took the child to a local medical facility for an examination. At that time, an ultrasound scan did not detect any abnormalities. After 24 hours, the child's condition did not improve; the pain not only failed to subside but increased in intensity, accompanied by vomiting.

Noticing that the child's condition was deteriorating, the family quickly brought the patient back to HCMC and immediately went to the Emergency Department at the American International Hospital (AIH).

At AIH, based on clinical examination, doctors suspected the child had appendicitis with complications of peritonitis and immediately ordered an ultrasound and blood tests. The results showed images suggesting that the pediatric patient's appendix had ruptured, which was consistent with the clinical diagnosis.

Emergency Surgery

Immediately thereafter, the pediatric patient was indicated for emergency surgery. The surgical team promptly performed a laparoscopic appendectomy to remove the inflamed appendix, while simultaneously performing an abdominal lavage and placing a drain to control the infection.

According to Dr. Quach Trieu Giang, Specialist Level I, Department of General Surgery at American International Hospital (AIH): An inflamed appendix that has ruptured can lead to an abdominal abscess or peritonitis, and may even cause sepsis or septic shock if not managed in a timely manner.

Following the surgery, the child's condition improved significantly. Thanks to close monitoring and active postoperative care, the pediatric patient recovered well and was discharged after a few days in a stable condition.

Do not be complacent when initial examination results are “normal”

Dr. Quach Trieu Giang, Specialist Level I states: In the early stages, appendicitis in children may not be clearly manifested on ultrasound or laboratory tests, especially when the appendix is located in an atypical position. It is crucial for parents to continue monitoring the child's symptoms closely, as the condition can deteriorate rapidly.

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Parents must be particularly vigilant if the child exhibits signs such as persistent abdominal pain that increases over time.

Parents should pay special attention when a child exhibits signs such as persistent abdominal pain that increases over time, pain migrating from the periumbilical or epigastric region to the right lower quadrant, potentially accompanied by vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or fatigue. These may be warning signs of progressing appendicitis. 

In cases where symptoms do not improve or become more severe, the child must be taken immediately to a medical facility with professional expertise for timely evaluation.

At the American International Hospital (AIH), the examination process is strictly implemented, combining clinical assessment with paraclinical diagnostic tools to detect abnormalities early, especially in cases where symptoms are not yet typical.

The team of highly specialized physicians always closely monitors the patient's condition to promptly detect signs of deterioration and intervene at the right time, minimizing the risk of complications. Furthermore, the 24/7 emergency laparoscopic surgery capability, combined with modern equipment and multidisciplinary coordination such as Emergency, General Surgery, and Pediatrics enables AIH to effectively manage complex cases, ensuring safety and rapid recovery.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL (AIH):
☎ Hotline: 1900 3399 || (028) 3910 9999​
🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn
📍Address: (Entrance from 199 Nguyen Hoang Street) No.6, Bac Nam 3 Street, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh
  • by Admin AIH
  • In Tin tức & Sự kiện

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