Rectal examination causes pain that is localized on the right side. Tapping the heels or jarring the leg upwards causes increased pain on the right side of the abdomen. A CBC shows increased white blood cell count . An abdominal X-ray may or may not show signs of appendicitis. The diagnosis may be confirmed by the surgeon during an exploratory laparotomy .
Little preparation is required.
If an abscess is suspected, the surgery may be delayed until antibiotic therapy has reduced the infection. Call your health care provider if right-lower quadrant abdominal pain or other symptoms suggestive of appendicitis develop. Prevention Not preventable. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.