Keywords
Patients
Elderly
Diagnosis
Management
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Abstract
Objective: To investigate the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of acute appendicitis in the elderly, aiming to identify the main challenges faced by this population and the best management practices. Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted using the PubMed database, with 12 articles selected for detailed analysis. Results: The diagnosis of appendicitis in the elderly is challenging due to comorbidities, differential diagnoses, and atypical clinical presentations. Clinical scoring systems, computed tomography, and laboratory tests are essential for early diagnosis and surgical decision-making. Longer hospital stays, an increase in open appendectomies, and readmissions were observed in the elderly. Laparoscopic surgery proved to be safer, reducing postoperative complications. Risk factors such as advanced age and sarcopenia were associated with higher morbidity, and delays in referral contributed to late diagnoses, often leading to serious complications such as perforation and abscess. Final considerations: The study identifies the need for careful clinical surveillance and timely referral, as well as a personalized approach in postoperative management to reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes in this population.
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