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 Introduction |
| What happens in Appendicitis ? |
| Who is at risk ? |
| What are the symptoms of Appendicitis ? |
| How is Appendicitis diagnosed ? |
| What is the treatment for Appendicitis ? |
| What care should one take after the operation ? |
| Which doctor should I consult ? |
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| Introduction |
The vermifom appendix or appendix in short, is a small part of the bowel or intestine. It is situated on the right side of the abdomen at the junction of the small and large intestines. It is a small narrow sac approximately 10 cm long and 1 cm wide. The appendix is a vestigial organ, that is, it serves no useful purpose.
General abdominal pain is often all that the patient will complain of during the first few hours of his attack But after the first few hours it becomes more evident that the chief seat of pain is at [the iliac fossa], and the general pain then usually subsides. In every case the seat of greatest pain, determined by the pressure of one finger, has been very exactly between an inch and a half and two inches from the anterior spinous process of the ilium on a straight line drawn from that process to the umbilicus.
-Charles McBurney, 1889
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| What happens in Appendicitis ? |
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. Appendicitis usually occurs as a result of faecal material and other debris getting stuck inside the appendix. Sometimes, worms can also cause a blockage of the narrow sac leading to appendicitis. The danger with appendicitis is that the blocked appendix can burst leading to peritonitis. Peritonitis is infection of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.
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| Who is at risk ? |
Age: Appendicitis can occur in all age groups but it is more common between the ages of 20 to 30 years.
Diet: People whose diet is not rich in fibre have an increased risk of getting appendicitis.
Hereditary: A particular position of the appendix which predisposes it to infection runs in certain families.
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| What are the symptoms of Appendicitis ? |
One or a combination of symptoms can occur in appendicitis:
 Pain in the abdomen: The pain starts suddenly in the region around the umbilicus and then moves to the lower right side of the abdomen.
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting.
Constipation, occasionally diarrhoea.
Increased urination ( in childern ).
Mild fever.
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| How is Appendicitis diagnosed ? |
Diagnosis of appendicitis can be difficult sometimes other conditions , particularly certain gastro- intestinal infections , can seem to be appendicitis. No laboratory test is specific for appendicitis, however the use of CT scans to visualize the appendix is becoming more of a standard in helping surgeons to confirm appendicitis when the diagnosis isn't clear. The decision whether to operate or not is most often based on history and physical examination.
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| What is the treatment for Appendicitis ? |
Appendicitis is an emergency that must be treated surgically. It cannot be treated at home. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect that your child has appendicitis. However do not give your child any medication to dull the pain without consulting the doctor.
At present there are two options available to remove an appendix , either through the traditional incision ( cut ) in the abdomen , or by using a small surgical device called a Laparoscope, which creates a smaller opening into the abdomen.
Before surgery a medical check up is required to make sure with the physician to see if you are fit for anaesthesia and the surgery. Simultaneously, a blood test is done and also an ultrasound and possibly an X - ray abdomen, if necessary.
The operation is done under general anaesthesia. After the operation , there could be some pain and discomfort at the operation site. An injection will be given if necessary, to relieve the pain. During the post-operative period, usually the patient is allowed to drink fluids and start a light diet in stages. The total length of stay in hospital varies between patients and can be 3-7 days.
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| What care should one take after the operation ? |
There are no medically proven ways to prevent appendicitis, although appendicitis is rare in countries where people eat a high fiber diet, studies have not yet shown that a high fiber diet definitely prevents appendicitis.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, so that the extra fibre prevents constipation.
Do not lift anything heavy (>5 kgs) for 6 weeks.
Do not drive for 2 weeks.
Do not play sports for at least a month.
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| Which doctor should I consult ? |
| You can consult a general surgeon. |
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