The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the first part of the large intestine, also called the colon. The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen, it has no known function. Removal of the appendix appears to cause no change in digestive function.
What Is Appendictis
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Once it starts, there is no effective medical therapy, so appendicitis is considered a medical emergency. When treated promptly, most patients recover without difficulty. If treatment is delayed the appendix can burst, causing infection and even death. Appendicitis is the most common acute surgical emergency of the abdomen.
Who Is Most at Risk
Anyone can get appendicitis, but it occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30. it is most commonly seen in the second decade of life (adolescence) through it can occur in any age group.
What Is the Cause of Appendicitis
The cause of appendicitis relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix known as the lumen. The blockage leads to increased pressure impaired blood flow, and rupture (breaking or tearing) of the appendix can result.
Most commonly faeces blocks the inside of the appendix. Also bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract can lead to swelling of lymph nodes, which squeeze the appendix and cause obstruction. Traumatic injury to the abdomen may lead to appendicitis in a small number of people. Genetics may be a factor in others. For example appendicitis that runs in families may result from a genetic variant that predisposes a person to appendix.
What are the Symptoms
Symptoms of appendicitis may include pain in the abdomen first around the belly button, then moving to the lower right area, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting constipation or diarrhea, inability to pass gas, low fever that begins after other symptoms, abdominal swelling.
Not everyone with appendicitis has all the symptoms. The pain intensifies and worsens when moving taking deep breaths, coughing or sneezing. The area becomes very tender.
Laxatives and pain medications should not be taken in this situation. Anyone with these symptoms needs to see a qualified surgeon immediately.
How is the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis Made
Examination of the abdomen helps narrow the diagnosis Location of the pain and tenderness is important. Pain is a symptom described by a patient tenderness is the response to being touched. Two signs, called peritoneal signs. Suggest that the lining of the abdomen is inflamed and surgery may be needed rebound tenderness and guarding. These are valuable indicators of inflammation but not all patients have them. In addition a raised total blood count confirms the diagnosis. Appendicitis is the commonest abdominal emergency and requires immediate surgery.
Any Special Test are Requested
An ultrasound & CT scan abdomen may help in reaching the diagnosis in case the clinical examination and other investigations are inconclusive.
What Is the Treatment for Appendicitis Surgery
Acute appendicitis is treated by surgery to remove the appendix. The operation may be performed through a standard small incision in the right lower part of the abdomen or it may be performed using a laparoscope which requires three to four smaller incisions. If other conditions are suspected in addition to appendicitis they may be identified using laparoscope. Laparoscopy is preferred to open surgery because the incision is smaller, recovery time is quicker and less pain medication is required.
Antibiotics and Other Treatment
If the diagnosis is uncertain people may be watched and sometimes treated with antibiotics. This approach is taken when the doctor suspects that the patient's symptoms may have it non surgical or medically treatable cause. If the cause of the pain is infectious, symptoms resolve with intravenous antibiotics and intravenous fluids. In general however appendicitis cannot be treated with antibiotics alone and will require surgery.
What are the Complications of Acute Appendicitis
The most serious complication of appendicitis is rupture. The appendix bursts or tears if appendicitis is not diagnosed quickly and goes untreated. Infants, young children and older adults are at highest risk. A ruptured appendix can lead to peritonitis and abscess. Peritonitis is a dangerous infection that happens when bacteria and other contents of the torn appendix leak into the abdomen. In a few patients complications of appendicitis can lead to organ failure and death.
Is It Safe to Remove Appendix
Appendix is a vestigial organ (something which has no well defined function) in humans and thus can be removed without any consequence)
The list of of Minimal Access Hospitals in India is as follows : -
For more information, medical assessment and medical quote
send your detailed medical history and medical reports
as email attachment to
Email : - info@wecareindia.com
Call: +91 9029304141 (10 am. To 8 pm. IST)
(Only for international patients seeking treatment in India)
For a detailed evaluation send patient’s medical reports / X rays / doctors notes to info@wecareindia.com
Patient Storys
Successful heart surgery at We Care India partner hospital allows Robert Clarke to live a normal life despite a rare genetic disorder We Care india helped Robert find best super specialised surgeon for his rare conditions.
Appendix Surgery offers info on Appendix Remove India, Appendix Surgery India, Appendix India, Appendectomy India, After Appendix Surgery India, Stomach India, Appendix Removal Surgery India, India Hospital Tour India, Stomach Disease India, Appendectomy India, Appendix Surgery Recovery India, Appendix India, Caecum India, Appendix Removal Laser Surgery India, Abdominal Pain India, Sepsis India, Appendix Surgery Cause India, Appendix Surgery Facts India, Appendix Symptoms India, India Appendix Surgery Hospital India, Treatment Of Appendix Surgery
