Condition
What Is an Appendix?
The appendix is a small, tube-like organ. It is found near the large intestine’s opening. It is a vestigial part of the digestive system. The appendix measures about 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 centimetres). Appendicitis is a medical condition caused due to an inflamed appendix. Various factors can trigger the inflammation, which can be treated by a surgical procedure called 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?
Benefits of Appendectomy Appendectomy have several advantages, some of which are- 1. Appendix removal, which gets rid of the source of infection and inflammation 2. Relief from appendix pain 3. Prevention of complications that can arise from untreated appendicitis, such as appendix rupture, inflammation of the abdominal lining, and abscess formation 4. No risk of appendicitis to occur again. 5. Risks of Appendectomy While appendectomy is safe and effective, it has certain risks, such as- 1. Appendectomy can cause infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding organs, blood vessels, and nerves 2. Postoperative pain at the parts where incisions were made is possible 3. Open appendectomy leaves a significantly large scar 4. There can be adverse reactions to anaesthetics and medicines used during surgery 5. Laparoscopic surgery can damage the colon and other abdominal structures 6. In some cases, other parts of the appendix can get inflamed, resulting in a condition known as stump appendicitis
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What Causes Appendicitis?
A few factors that can lead to appendicitis are: 1. Blockage due to hardened faecal matter (also known as appendix stones) 2. Bacterial infection in and around the appendix 3. Swollen lymph nodes 4. Tumours 5. Cystic fibrosis
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Getting an Appendectomy?
Appendicitis diagnosis including physical examination, blood and imaging tests. 1. Decision to perform an appendectomy depending on the degree of inflammation and other symptoms. Patients with mild to severe appendicitis are eligible for surgery. 2. Urinary tract infections (UTI), gastrointestinal issues, or gynaecological concerns cause similar symptoms and need to be ruled out before appendectomy. 3. Overall stable physical health to undergo surgery, tolerance to anaesthesia and have a healthy cardiovascular and respiratory system. Appendectomy An appendectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the appendix. Appendectomies are considered medical emergencies as an inflamed appendix might rupture within 36-48 hours after its symptoms develop. Appendectomies are of two types - laparoscopic and open appendectomy. Listed below are the steps involved in this procedure: 1. IV with antibiotics within 24 hours of diagnosis to initiate appendix treatment. 2. Additional assessments (blood tests, imaging tests, etc.) to have more clarity about the nature and signs of appendicitis. 3. During the procedure, the patients are given general anaesthesia and muscle relaxants to minimise pain and discomfort. 4. For a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon will make a tiny incision near the navel. They will insert a small port into the incision, through which a cannula (a small, tube-like device) is inserted to inflate the abdominal cavity using carbon dioxide. This creates ample space for the procedure to take place. After this, they will put in a laparoscope (a thin tube with a small light and a high-resolution camera), which will guide them through the appendix operation. 5. For an open appendectomy, the surgeon will make one large incision in the lower abdominal region. They will open the abdominal cavity, disinfect it with a saline solution, and separate its muscles to locate the appendix. 6. The appendix is stitched up before being detached and removed from the intestines. 7. Any excess fluids or gases will be drained and the surgical cuts will be closed with stitches, cleaned, and dressed to prevent infection.
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. Signs of appendicitis include abdominal pain, frequent urination, bloating, constipation, etc.
Obstructions, infections, enlarged lymphoid follicles, gastrointestinal infections, and tumours are some of the factors that can cause appendicitis.
The most important benefit of appendectomy is that it cures appendicitis. Additionally, the surgery reduces the spread of infections and prevents the chances of appendicitis occuring in the future.
Patients undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy can engage in light activities within a week and completely recover in 2-4 weeks. Patients going through an open appendectomy have a similar recovery period; however, they must remain hospitalised for a couple of days after surgery.
