Touching the abdomen may cause spasm of the abdominal muscles if peritonitis is developing.
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 . Acute appendicitis Please read this Important notice .