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The appendix is a vestigial organ that is located at the base of the cecum, the first portion of the large intestine, just beyond the connection of the small and large intestine. It is located in the right lower portion of the abdomen. So far, the function of this organ is not really known, but one can live without it and without visible consequences.
Appendicitis is a surgical condition that requires urgent surgery during which the appendix is removed. If left untreated, perforation, or rupture, of the appendix can occur.
Inflammation of the appendix is a very common condition. Obstruction of the opening of the appendix by intestinal contents, a foreign body or a tumor is considered to affect the development of the infection, and inflammation occurs as the body’s response to the infection.
Common symptoms in people with appendicitis are:
Dull pain that is localized around the navel or in the upper part of the abdomen, which becomes sharper over time and the place of origin descends into the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. This is usually the first sign of inflammation of the appendix.
Loss of appetite
Nausea and / or vomiting
Fever
Elevation of the white blood cells on blood work
Examining and diagnosing appendicitis relies on a combination of clinical exam and image findings. CT scan is often used to confirm or rule out the presence of appendicitis and is very sensitive for this disorder. Disorders with similar presentations include Crohn’s disease, tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic inflammatory disease, ruptured ovarian cyst, or Cecal diverticulitis.
Appendicitis is treated with laparoscopic or open surgery. Typically, in cases of acute appendicitis without evidence of perforation or abscess the patient can be discharged within 24 hours. The presence of complicating features may require additional treatment with antibiotics.
There are no specific ways to prevent this disease. However, statistics tell us that appendicitis is much less common in people who eat foods rich in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Appendicitis is an urgent medical condition that requires urgent surgery during which the appendix is removed. If left untreated, perforation (rupture) of the appendix can occur, after which inflammation of the peritoneum or peritonitis can develop. The outcome of peritonitis can be fatal for the patient if treatment with strong antibiotics is not carried out urgently.
Inflammation of the appendix is a very common condition, however, the way in which it occurs remains unclear. Obstruction of the opening of the appendix by intestinal contents, a foreign body or a tumor is considered to affect the development of the infection, and inflammation occurs as the body’s response to the infection.
Common symptoms in people with appendicitis are:
If you have any of the listed symptoms, consult a doctor immediately, because diagnosing and treating it on time is very important.
Examining and diagnosing appendicitis relies on a combination of clinical exam and image findings. CT scan is often used to confirm or rule out the presence of appendicitis and is very sensitive for this disorder. Disorders with similar presentations include Crohn’s disease, tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic inflammatory disease, ruptured ovarian cyst, or Cecal diverticulitis.
There are no specific ways to prevent this disease. However, statistics tell us that appendicitis is much less common in people who eat foods rich in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Appendicitis is treated with laparoscopic or open surgery. Typically, in cases of acute appendicitis without evidence of perforation or abscess the patient can be discharged within 24 hours. The presence of complicating features may require additional treatment with antibiotics.
Wound care instructions and pain medication will be provided by your surgeon
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