Health

Things You Need To Know About Appendicitis

Appendectomy is a procedure in which your appendix is removed. The appendix is a pouch joined with your large intestine. Sometimes, it may get inflamed- a condition known as appendicitis. 

If you have appendicitis, you should consult a General Surgeon in Karachi.

What Causes Appendicitis?

Germs like viruses, bacteria, or fungi can cause appendicitis. Sometimes, the opening where your appendix and large intestine join becomes blocked. That results in the multiplication of these germs, which causes inflammation of the appendix. Hardened stools, tumors, or other benign growths in the intestine can block the opening of the appendix. Other than these, trauma to the abdomen can also cause appendicitis.

Is Appendicitis Serious?

While the appendix serves no beneficial function in the human body, appendicitis needs urgent medical attention. The appendix is a small bag-like structure, and when the inflammation increases, it can burst. 

A ruptured appendix spreads the infection into the whole abdominal cavity (peritonitis). It requires urgent surgery. If a ruptured appendix is not treated on time, it can prove fatal due to the spread of the infection in the whole body.

Symptoms Of Appendicitis

The signs and symptoms of appendicitis include:

  • Pain: The primary symptom of appendicitis is pain. The pain begins in the lower right side of your abdomen. It develops suddenly and is severe in intensity. It wakes you up from your sleep. The pain worsens when you move or cough. 

Other symptoms of appendicitis include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Indigestion
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation

Diagnosis Of Appendicitis

Usually, your doctor will recommend an ultrasound to diagnose an inflamed appendix. They may also suggest you a CT scan or MRI to diagnose appendicitis.

Treatment Of Appendicitis

Mild appendicitis can be treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, doctors suggest an appendectomy to treat appendicitis. It is a surgical procedure in which your surgeon removes the inflamed appendix. The appendix can be removed by open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy. 

In an open appendectomy, your surgeon makes a cut to open your abdomen and then removes your appendix. In laparoscopic appendectomy, your surgeon makes small incisions in your abdominal cavity. They will then insert tools through those incisions and remove your appendix.

A laparoscopic appendectomy requires less time than an open appendectomy. With laparoscopic appendectomy, the wound healing is faster, and recovery time is less. Pain after the surgery is also less with it.

Your surgeon will decide whether you need an open appendectomy or a laparoscopic appendectomy. It depends upon your case, and your surgeon will tell you which type of procedure they will do to remove your inflamed appendix.

 

Complications Of Appendicitis

If appendicitis is not treated on time or left untreated, it can result in the following complications:

  • A hole in the appendix: Medically known as appendicular perforation- this condition results when the inflammation is not suppressed. A hole forms in your appendix, which results in the spread of the infection to the abdominal cavity (peritonitis). 
  • Abscess in the abdomen: When the infection spreads to your abdomen, a collection of pus (abscess) forms in your abdominal cavity.
  • Abscess in the liver: The liver is present in your abdomen. When the infection spreads to the abdominal cavity, an abscess may form in the liver (hepatic abscess).

Conclusion

Appendicitis is a condition that requires urgent medical care. If you notice any signs and symptoms of appendicitis, consult a general surgeon without any delay. Timely treatment of appendicitis prevents serious complications.

To get an expert opinion regarding appendicitis, you can consult a General Surgeon.

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