Appendicitis is caused by inflammation of the wall of the appendix, which can lead to ischemia poor blood flow and death of the tissue and even perforation. Inflammation can occur from a blockage of the appendix by a piece of stool, a thick lymphatic tissue or even a tumor. Once the wall of the appendix becomes inflamed, the organ begins to swell. Fluid builds up inside of and around the outside of the organ, causing infection and pain. That is a sign of peritonitis, which is irritation or inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity from the appendix being so inflamed.
Someone suffering from symptoms of appendicitis should go to the nearest emergency department that has a surgeon on call. Waiting can lead to a more-difficult surgery, longer time in the hospital and other complications. However, without treatment, pus will begin to collect inside the abdomen, creating abscesses and inflammation that make immediate surgery difficult. The intestines all stick together, which makes going in to do surgery more problematic. During these situations, Rodriguez says surgeons often treat the infection with intravenous IV antibiotics and remove the appendix within six to eight weeks.
Surgery is the preferred treatment for appendicitis, as it is considered the most efficient method to getting patients on the quickest road to recovery. Other common symptoms include: Upset stomach and vomiting Loss of appetite Fever and chills Trouble having a bowel movement constipation Loose stool diarrhea Trouble passing gas Swollen belly Do not take pain medicines.
How is appendicitis diagnosed? He or she may also have you take the following tests: Blood tests: To check for signs of infection, such as having a high white blood cell count. Urine tests: To see if you have a urinary tract infection. You may also have some imaging tests, including: Abdominal ultrasound: Lets the doctor see internal organs as they work and checks how blood is flowing through different blood vessels.
CT scan: Shows detailed images of any part of the body, such as the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. How is appendicitis treated? Appendicitis is a medical emergency. It is likely the appendix will burst and cause a serious, deadly infection.
For this reason, in almost all situations, your healthcare provider will advise that you have surgery to remove your appendix. The appendix may be removed in an open procedure or using laparoscopy: Open traditional surgery method. You are given anesthesia. A cut incision is made in the lower right-hand side of your belly.
The surgeon finds the appendix and takes it out. If the appendix has burst, a small tube shunt may be placed to drain out pus and other fluids in the belly. The shunt will be taken out in a few days, when your surgeon feels the infection has gone away. Laparoscopic method. This surgery uses several small cuts incisions and a camera laparoscope to look inside your belly. The surgical tools are placed through a few small incisions. The laparoscope is placed through another incision.
A laparoscopy can often be done even if the appendix has burst. Complications of Appendicitis The main problem with appendicitis is the risk of a burst appendix. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.
On this page. Symptoms of appendicitis Causes of appendicitis Perforated appendix Diagnosis of appendicitis Treatment for appendicitis Where to get help Things to remember. Symptoms of appendicitis Symptoms of appendicitis include: dull pain centred around the navel, which progresses to a sharp pain in the lower right side of the abdomen pain in the lower back, hamstring or rectum less commonly fever vomiting diarrhoea or constipation loss of appetite.
Causes of appendicitis The cause of acute appendicitis is still unclear. Perforated appendix If pus builds up in the appendix, it will eventually burst, flooding the abdominal cavity with infected matter.
Diagnosis of appendicitis Appendicitis can mimic the symptoms of other disorders such as gastroenteritis, ectopic pregnancy and various infections including those of the kidney and chest. Treatment for appendicitis Treatment includes an operation to remove the appendix completely. Things to remember Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix, which is a small tube attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Treatment may include intravenous antibiotics or surgical removal of the appendix.
More information here. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? It is sometimes used to diagnose appendicitis, especially in a pregnant woman, instead of CT scan. It is likely the appendix will burst and cause a serious, deadly infection. For this reason, your healthcare provider will most likely tell that you need to have surgery to remove your appendix.
Traditional open surgery method. You are given anesthesia. A cut incision is made in the lower right-hand side of your belly. The surgeon finds the appendix and takes it out. If the appendix has burst, a small tube shunt may be put in to drain out pus and other fluids in the belly. The shunt will be taken out in a few days, when your surgeon feels the infection has gone away. Laparoscopic method. This surgery uses several small cuts incisions and a camera laparoscope to look inside your belly.
The surgical tools are placed through a few small cuts. The laparoscope is placed through another cut. A laparoscopy can often be done even if the appendix has burst. If your appendix has not burst, then your recovery from an appendectomy will only take a few days. If your appendix has burst, your recovery time will be longer and you will need antibiotic medicine.
You will be treated for a few weeks with antibiotics and drainage if the infection around the appendix is too severe for immediate surgery. You will have surgery to remove the appendix at a later time. You can live a normal life without your appendix.
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