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?
The following reasons might cause the appendix to get swollen and infected- 1. Hardened faecal matter (also known as fecaliths or appendix stones) might get stuck near the opening of the appendix, trapping the bacteria inside the organ and transmitting the bacteria it was carrying 2. Lymphoid hyperplasia, caused by swollen lymphoid tissue in the appendix 3. Cystic fibrosis, which results in a thick, sticky mucus buildup in the organs 4. Colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease 5. Parasites 6. Tumours
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Getting an Appendectomy?
Several factors contribute to a patient's eligibility for this procedure. Some of them are- 1. An appendicitis diagnosis is a must 2. Evaluation of of how severe the nature and symptoms of the appendicitis 3. Ruling out other health concerns that might cause similar symptoms 4. Stable cardiovascular and respiratory health is key to a successful appendix operation 5. Whether or not the patient can tolerate general anaesthesia Appendectomy Appendectomy is of two types - laparoscopic and open surgery. Laparoscopic appendectomy guarantees a quicker recovery and less postoperative pain as compared to open surgery. The choice between these appendicitis treatments depends on the patient's condition. Doctors must perform surgery within 36 hours of the diagnosis. Listed below is how the procedure is performed- 1. An IV line is inserted into the patient’s veins,as the first step to appendix treatment with the help of antibiotics. 2. Doctors might order extra assessments (blood tests, imaging tests, etc.) to learn more about the nature and signs of appendicitis. 3. Patients should not eat or drink for eight hours before the surgery. During this time, they receive fluids through the IV line. 4. At the beginning of the procedure, the patients are given general anaesthesia and muscle relaxants to reduce pain and discomfort. 5. During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon makes a small incision near the navel. Next, they insert a small port and, through it, a cannula (a small, tube-like device) to inflate the abdominal cavity using carbon dioxide. This creates enough space for surgery. Finally, they insert a laparoscope (a thin tube with lights and a camera) to view the insides of the organ during the appendix operation. 6. During an open appendectomy, the surgeon makes a large incision in the lower part of the abdomen. Next, they open the abdominal cavity, disinfect it with a saline solution, and separate its muscles to identify the appendix. 7. They stitch up the appendix, detach it from the intestines, and remove it. 8. Lastly, they close the surgical cuts using stitches.
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?
Compared to non-operative appendicitis treatments, appendectomy has a significantly high success rate. Per a study published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine in 2022, the success rate for appendectomy for patients during the first and second year (of the survey) was 92% and 62%, respectively. According to the same study, about 46% of all patients treated with antibiotics had to opt for an appendectomy within the next five years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The appendix is a small, tube-shaped organ situated near the junction of the small and large intestines. It is about 3-4 inches long and has no known functions.
Appendectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat appendicitis. Usually, an infection or inflammation in the appendix causes this medical condition.
The main symptom of appendicitis include severe abdominal pain, digestive problems, fever, and nausea.
Patients going under laparoscopy make recovery within few days, however it takes 2-3 weeks for resuming back to heavy works. Open appendectomy takeslonger, around 2-3 weeks of hospitalization.
