Acute appendicitis in early childhood.

1728 appendectomies were performed in our institution between the years 1973 and 1978, only 18 of them below the age of 5 years. Acute appendicitis in this age is characterized by a very low incidence (1%); an overwhelming male predominance (8:1), a short history, and a rapid progress of the disease. In 72% perforation of appendix and peritonitis were present at operation. The triad of fever, abdominal pains and vomiting was present in all cases. A high leucocyte count was noted in all cases except one. All patients were operated upon within 16 h of admission. No mortality, a low morbidity and a short hospital stay were recorded.