Appendix

Causes of Appendicitis

Appendicitis occurs when the interior of the appendix becomes filled with something that causes it to swell, such as mucus, bacteria, foreign body, hard stool, or parasites. The appendix then becomes irritated and inflamed. Appendix may perforate allowing stool, mucus, and other substances to leak through and get inside the abdomen causing localized abscess or generalised infection of abdomen (peritonitis).

SYMPTOMS & Diagnosis

Symptoms of Appendicitis may includes:

• Abdominal pain - pain may begin around the belly button and then get localized in right lower abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain may be worse when walking or coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Fever usually occurs within several hours
• Constipation
• Rectal tenderness
• Chills and rigours

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of appendicitis begins with a through history and physical examination. Patients often have an elevated temperature, and there usually will be moderate to severe tenderness in the right lower abdomen when the doctor pushes there. If inflammation has spread to the peritoneum, there is frequently rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness is pain that is worse when the doctor quickly releases his or her hand after gently pressing on the abdomen over the area of tenderness.

The following tests are usually used to make the diagnosis:

• Blood test to look for signs of infection
• Urine test to rule out other conditions, such as a bladder infection
• Computerised tomography (CT) scan or an ultrasound scan to see if the appendix is swollen

TREATMENT: LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

Appendectomy

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. The procedure is performed to treat appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix caused by infection.

Types of Surgery or appendectomies for appendicitis

The appendix may be removed in one of two ways:

• Laparoscopic method
• Open method

Why Laparoscopic surgery is better over open surgery?

The laparoscopic being a minimally invasive approach has various advantages over the open technique.

• The patient experiences less post-operative pain, recovers faster and has excellent cosmetic results.
• Laparoscopically, the surgeon can examine the entire abdomen and pelvis through the camera to rule out any other pathology.

Advantages

• Minimal postoperative pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quick return to work and normal activities.
• Excellent cosmetic results