Overview

What is an Appendix?

The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It is located in the lower right quadrant of your abdomen. If you have appendicitis, your appendix must be removed as soon as possible. If left untreated, your appendix can rupture. This is a medical situation that requires immediate attention.

What are the signs and symptoms of Appendicitis?

Appendicitis can cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Pain that starts on the right side of the lower abdomen and spreads
• Pain that begins around your navel and frequently spreads to your lower right abdomen.
• Pain that worsens with coughing, walking, or other jarring movements
• Vomiting and nausea
• Appetite loss
• Fever that may worsen as the illness progresses
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Flatulence

Causes of Appendicitis:

Appendicitis is most likely caused by a blockage in the lining of the appendix, which leads to infection. The bacteria multiply quickly, inflaming, swelling, and filling the appendix with pus. The appendix can rupture if not treated promptly.

Diagnosis:

An appendicitis diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. When the doctor physically examines the right lower abdomen, there is moderate to severe tenderness, as patients usually have an elevated temperature. If the inflammation has spread to the peritoneum, there may be rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness is pain that worsens when the doctor quickly releases his or her hand after gently pressing on the tender area of the abdomen.

Typically, the following tests are used to make the diagnosis:

• A blood test will be performed to look for signs of infection.
• To rule out other conditions, such as a bladder infection, a urine test is performed.
• To determine whether the appendix is swollen, a computerised tomography (CT) scan or an ultrasound scan is used.

Treatment for Appendicitis:

Appendicitis is typically treated with surgery to remove the inflamed appendix. Antibiotics may be administered prior to surgery to treat infection.

Appendectomy surgery is performed to remove the appendix (appendectomy)

Appendectomy can be performed as an open procedure with a single abdominal incision measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimetres) in length (laparotomy). Alternatively, the surgery can be performed through a few small abdominal incisions (laparoscopic surgery). The surgeon inserts special surgical tools and a video camera into your abdomen during a laparoscopic appendectomy to remove your appendix.

Advantages/Benefits of Laparoscopic surgery for Appendix – Laparoscopic surgery in general, allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. It may be preferable for older adults and people who are obese.

However, laparoscopic surgery is not for everyone. If your appendix has ruptured and infection has spread beyond the appendix, or if you have an abscess, your surgeon may recommend an open appendectomy to clean the abdominal cavity.

After your appendectomy, you should expect to stay in the hospital for one or two days.

If your appendix bursts and an abscess forms around it, the abscess can be drained by inserting a tube through your skin into the abscess. After the infection has been controlled, an appendectomy can be performed several weeks later.