Importância do diagnóstico precoce da apendicite aguda nos serviços de urgência e emergência: impactos na redução de complicações cirúrgicas

Acute appendicitis is the leading cause of surgical acute abdomen in urgent and emergency departments, and diagnostic delay is associated with perforation, abscesses, sepsis, and longer hospital stays. This study aimed to analyze the importance of early diagnosis of acute appendicitis and its impact on reducing surgical complications. It is a narrative literature review based on guidelines, systematic reviews, and observational studies published in international journals, selected for their relevance to the topic. The results indicate that combining structured clinical assessment, prediction scores such as Alvarado and AIR, laboratory tests, and judicious use of imaging methods, such as ultrasonography and computed tomography, increases diagnostic accuracy and shortens the time to intervention. The literature shows that the risk of rupture increases with symptom duration and that prolonged in-hospital delay may increase morbidity. It is concluded that standardized care protocols, team training, and agile diagnostic workflows are essential strategies to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.