What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis

The appendix is a small organ that is shaped like a finger in the right part of the lower intestine. Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix gets inflamed, swollen and pus-filled. When the appendix gets inflamed, it causes severe pain to the person. As the level of inflammation increases, the degree of pain felt by the person also increases. Appendicitis is found in people who are between the ages of 10-30. When the appendix gets inflamed, the person requires immediate medical attention.

Appendectomy

There are two types of surgery that can be performed. There is open surgery to remove the appendix and there is laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, a small incision is made on the abdomen, and a laparoscope is inserted through the cut with the help of a cannula. Then the appendix is removed. Laparoscopic appendectomy is minimally invasive and doesn’t take a long time to heal. The open surgery is done if the appendix has already ruptured or if the appendix has an abscess, or if any other major complication comes up like an abdominal tumor. Open surgery takes longer to heal and is not minimally invasive. The abdomen is cut open and the appendix is removed.

TREATMENTS

Diagnosis
Appendicitis can be tricky to diagnose as they display symptoms similar to other conditions such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections. The medical professional will perform a physical examination on the patient. The doctor will closely explain the abdomen of the patient to find signs of inflammation. The urine will be tested to rule out a UTI. CT scans and ultrasounds are performed to diagnose appendicitis.
Surgery
Appendicitis is always treated as a medical emergency. If the medical professional suspect’s that a patient has been displaying symptoms of appendicitis, surgery is performed immediately. However, there are cases in which using antibiotics will let the patient avoid surgery. This is rare, in the majority of the cases surgery is required. There are two types of surgery that can be performed. There is open surgery to remove the appendix and there is laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, a small incision is made on the abdomen, and a laparoscope is inserted through the cut with the help of a cannula. Then the appendix is removed. Laparoscopic appendectomy is minimally invasive and doesn’t take a long time to heal. The open surgery is done if the appendix has already ruptured or if the appendix has an abscess, or if any other major complication comes up like an abdominal tumor. Open surgery takes longer to heal and is not minimally invasive. The abdomen is cut open and the appendix is removed.

Causes

Symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the location of the appendix?

The appendix is situated on the right side of the abdomen. It is a three-and-a-half-inch tube that comes as an extension of the large intestine.

What are the two types of appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis are the two types of appendix seen in people.

What causes appendicitis?

There is no one clear cause for appendicitis. Normally it’s caused because the appendix is blocked.

Is appendicitis painful?

Yes. Appendicitis can be excruciating and requires immediate medical attention.

What is the treatment option for appendicitis?

Appendicitis is usually treated with a surgery called an appendectomy.
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