Condition
What Is an Appendix?
The appendix is a vestigial organ and a part of the digestive system. It is tube-shaped, 3-4 inches long, and can be found near the opening of the large intestine. An inflamed appendix causes appendicitis. However, surgical treatment for this condition is highly effective.
What Are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
Common appendix symptoms include the following: Sudden and severe abdominal pain near the navel which later shifts to the lower right abdomen. Appendix pain can worsen with time and physical activity. is the main symptom of appendicitis. Decreased appetite Nausea is a common sign of appendicitis Mild fever, generally not more than 100.4°F (38°C) Diarrhoea, constipation, and inability to pass gas Appendicitis can cause pain in the rectum at times.
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?
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?
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?
Recovery time after an appendectomy depends on the type of surgery. Most people can return to light activities within days of having a laparoscopic appendectomy, while full recovery takes 2-4 weeks. On the contrary, people undergoing an open appendectomy require 2-4 weeks of rest before returning to regular 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
Appendicitis is a medical condition caused by an inflamed appendix. The surgery for appendix removal is called appendectomy.
Obstructions, infections, enlarged lymphoid follicles, gastrointestinal infections, and tumours are common appendicitis causes.
Appendicitis is one of the most successful surgeries with about 95% success rate.
Laparoscopic appendectomy takes a few days for recovery however, it takes about 2-4 weeks to completely recover. Patients going through an open appendectomy must remain hospitalised for a couple of days after surgery.
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.
