Condition
What Is an Appendix?
Appendix, meaning a thin tube-shaped organ, is a part of the digestive system. It is around four inches long and is attached to the large intestine. It is a vestigial organ and has no known functions. Sometimes, the appendix can get swollen due to various reasons, leading to a medical condition known as appendicitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
The appendix symptoms listed below indicate appendicitis: 1. Sudden, persistent pain that originates near the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen in a few hours 2. Nausea and vomiting 3. Appetite loss 4. Mild fever, with body temperature not exceeding 100.4°F (38°C) 5. The lower right part of the , when pressed, might feel sore or tender 6. Walking, coughing, sneezing, etc. can be difficult as they worsen the appendix pain 7. Constipation, diarrhoea, and other digestive concerns 8. Increased urge to urinate
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 appendicitis surgery is minimally invasive, resulting in little to no to smaller postoperative discomfort and scarring However, it also comes with the following risks: 1. Like any surgery, appendicitis carries potential risks like infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. 2. Postoperative pain at the operation sites is common. 3. Open appendectomy involves a single, large incision, resulting in a more noticeable scar than the smaller incisions used in laparoscopic surgery. 4. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to surgery medications or have anaesthesia-related complications. In rare cases, appendectomies can cause a residual abscess or a 'stump appendicitis' (inflammation of the remaining part of the appendix).
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What Causes Appendicitis?
Doctors are still uncertain about what causes appendicitis. Some possible reasons 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. Research suggests that people with a family history of appendicitis are more likely to develop the condition 5. A low-fibre diet increases the chances of appendicitis
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Getting an Appendectomy?
Patients must tick the following boxes to be eligible for surgical appendix treatments: 1. A confirmed diagnosis of appendicitis 2. Only mild to severe cases require appendicitis surgery 3. Other diseases, such as endometriosis and digestive problems, that can result in similar symptoms must be ruled out 4. Patients with health concerns or medications that increase surgical risks may need additional procedures before surgery to minimise risks 5. Stable cardiovascular and respiratory health 6. Acute appendicitis requires urgent surgery, while elective surgery is available for mild cases without complications Appendectomy Laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for appendix operation. It is performed with the help of a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with an attached camera. The different stages of this procedure are listed below: 1. The doctor performs anaesthesia to render the area around the appendix numb, which ensures a pain-free operation. 2. They make small cuts to the abdomen to insert the laparoscope and other surgical tools. 3. The surgeon uses the laparoscope to locate the inflamed appendix. 4. They remove the appendix from the cecum using specialised tools. Before removing the organ, they place it in a sterile bag. 5. The cuts are closed with sutures, staples, or left to heal naturally. Patients recover as the anaesthesia wears off. Laparoscopic appendicitis ensures a faster, less painful recovery compared to open surgery. 6. Patients should opt for laparoscopic surgery when possible as it involves smaller incisions, low postoperative pain discomfort, and a quick recovery period. However, open appendectomy might be necessary if certain complications, like a ruptured appendix, arise.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After an Appendectomy?
The recovery period depends on the type of appendectomy. Patients who opt for a laparoscopic appendectomy can takeup light activities within a couple of days and gain completely recover in about four weeks. On the other hand, patients who undergo open appendectomies might require more time to recover. They take about 2-4 weeks to resume normal activities.
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
Appendicitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the appendix. Usually, an infection in the appendix causes this inflammation. Appendectomy is the surgical procedure doctors use to remove the appendix and treat appendicitis.
Although people of all ages can have appendicitis, the ones between the ages 10 and 30 are most likely to develop this condition.
Despite being extremely effective, appendectomy involves a few risks. Examples of these include mild pain and bleeding after surgery, noticeable scarring, and negative reactions to anaesthesia and medications used during the operation.
Open appendectomy is preferred for acute, severe cases of appendicitis. On the contrary, laparoscopic appendectomy is better suited for less complicated cases as it is a minimally invasive procedure that is quicker and relatively more painless than open surgery.
