Condition
What Is an Appendix?
The appendix, meaning a small, finger-shaped organ, is a part of the digestive system and can be found near the opening of the large intestine. It has no known significant function. An inflamed appendix causes appendicitis. Treatment to this is removal of the appendix through a process known as appendectomy.
What Are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
Common appendix symptoms include: 1. Abdominal pain 2. Loss of appetite 3. Nausea and vomiting 4. Mild fever and body aches 5. Abdominal soreness and tenderness 6. Movement-related discomfort 7. Digestive issues like diarrhoea and constipation 8. Pain and discomfort in the rectal area 9. Frequent urination
Who is at Risk?
The benefits of appendectomy include: 1. Successful management of appendicitis by removing the appendix and eliminating the source of any infection and inflammation 2. Relief from stomach pain caused by appendicitis 3. Short hospital stay and quick recovery 4. Appendix removal ensures there are no chances of developing appendicitis again 5. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, resulting in little to no to smaller postoperative discomfort and scarring However, there are certain risks associated with appendectomy as well. These include: 1. Infection, bleeding, and injury to surrounding organs, blood vessels, and nerves 2. Mild to moderate pain at the operated area after appendicitis surgery 3. Open appendectomies leave a prominent scar 4. Some patients might be allergic to the anaesthetics and drugs used during surgery 5. Rarely, appendectomy can result in a persistent abscess
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What Causes Appendicitis?
Some possible causes include: 1. Faecal matter, foreign bodies, or tumours can block parts of the digestive system, increasing the pressure within the appendix and causing inflammation 2. Bacterial infections within the appendix or elsewhere in the digestive tract 3. Swollen lymphoid follicles within the appendix 4. A low-fibre diet increases the chances of appendicitis
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Getting an Appendectomy?
Criteria that makes one eligible for appendectomy include- 1. An appendicitis diagnosis 2. The severity of appendicitis 3. Ruling out other illnesses, such as urinary tract infections (UTI), gastrointestinal issues, or gynaecological concerns, that might cause similar symptoms 4. Stable physical health is required to undergo surgery. Patients must be able to tolerate anaesthesia and have a healthy cardiovascular and respiratory system. Appendectomy The choice of appendix treatments depends on various factors, including the patient's condition and potential complications.There are two procedures that can be carried out- laparoscopic surgery and open appendectomy. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred as it has several benefits including smaller incisions, causes less postoperative pain, and has a shorter recovery time. However, open appendectomy may be necessary when the appendix has already ruptured. The steps of an appendix operation include following steps- 1. IV line with antibiotics within 24 hours of diagnosis. 2. Additional tests (blood, imaging, etc.)to gain better clarity about the nature and signs of appendicitis. 3. Avoiding food for 8 hours before surgery. 4. Anaesthesia and muscle relaxants to minimise appendix pain. 5. For a laparoscopic appendectomy, a small incision near the navel, then inserting a tiny port and, through it, a cannula (a small, tube-like device) to inflate the abdominal cavity using carbon dioxide, creating space for the procedure. The laparoscopy is inserted which will guide through the appendix operation. 6. For an open appendectomy, one large incision in the lower abdomen is made to open the abdominal cavity, it is sterilised using saline and muscles are separated. Appendix is sutured, detached and removed. 7. The abdomen is closed using sutures.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After an Appendectomy?
After a laparoscopic appendectomy, people can resume light activities in a matter of days, although complete recovery may take between 2-4 weeks. In the case of open appendectomies, it usually takes people 2-4 weeks before returning to regular activities. To ensure a smooth recovery, it is vital to follow all instructions provided by one’s healthcare provider.
What is the Success Rate of Appendectomies?
Appendectomy has a very high success rate, especially compared to non-operative appendicitis treatments. According to a 2022 study published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, the surgical procedure was successful for 92% of patients for the first year, and 62% for the next year. It also found that 46% of all patients treated with antibiotics had to undergo appendectomy within the next five years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Infections have the potential to trigger inflammation. Therefore, bacterial infections, whether contained within the appendix or in the surrounding area, can cause appendicitis.
Appendix, meaning a finger-shaped organ, is present near the junction of the small and large intestines. It is small in size and has no known functions .
In some cases, appendicitis may cause pain in the rectal area. Consult a doctor to be sure of the actual reason behind rectal pain and discomfort.
