- Appendicitis is the most common surgical cause of acute abdominal pain in children.
- It typically presents with periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent complications such as perforation and peritonitis.
- Although other conditions like mesenteric adenitis and intussusception can cause abdominal pain, appendicitis remains the principal cause requiring urgent intervention in pediatric patients.
- Early clinical recognition followed by surgical treatment leads to favorable outcomes.

Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 24th Edition, Chapter: The Acute Abdomen, Page 507.