Table 1. Overview of critieria for uncomplicated vs. complicated appendicitis, adapted from those of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), 2016 (12), and of diagnostic measures in suspected acute appendicitis.
| Uncomplicated | Complicated | |
| Criteria for uncomplicated vs. complicated appendicitis | ||
| Inflammation | + | + |
| Gangrene | − | + |
| Phlegmon | − | + |
| Perityphlitic abscess | − | + |
| Free fluid | − | + |
| Perforation | − | + |
| Diagnostic measures | ||
| History | + | + |
| Physical examination, including appendicitis pressure points | + | + |
| Digital rectal examination | − | − |
| Laboratory tests | + | + |
| Body temperature measurement | + | + |
| Urine test strip and pregnancy test*1 | + | + |
| Gynecological consultation | ± | ± |
| Abdominal ultrasonography*2 | + | + |
| Computed tomography | − | ± |
| Magnetic resonance imaging | − | ± |
+ yes; - no; ± possible
Complicated appendicitis is present, by definition, if any criterion in addition to inflammation is met.
*1 In female patients of child-bearing age; *2 method of first choice.