What Is Appendicitis and Appendectomy?

Appendicitis is a medical condition that requires immediate treatment. This medical condition affects the appendix. The appendix is a body organ that has specialized tissue responsible for producing antibodies. However, up to this date, the primary function of this organ is still unknown. This is probably the reason why appendix is considered as one of the most intriguing organs in the human body.

Appendicitis - Defined

Appendicitis is a medical condition wherein the appendix is inflamed. This condition is considered a medical emergency that needs prompt treatment to take out the appendix. If left untreated, the appendix will sooner or later rupture that will spill all the infectious substances into the body's abdominal cavity. When this happens, it can lead to peritonitis, which can be fatal.

Causes of Appendicitis

The inflammation of the appendix, which can lead to appendicitis, occurs when there is blockage in the appendix. The blockage is often due to foreign substance, stool, cancer or even infection. Many experts believe that there are two possible causes of appendicitis. These are:
 

• Obstruction- occurs when a hard part of a stool is trapped in the appendix. This could infect the appendix caused by the bacteria found in the trapped stool.
   
• Infection - appendicitis may occur when an infection, usually from the stomach, get to the appendix.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

At first, certain pain may be felt at any part of the stomach area. Later on, as this pain intensifies, the location of the pain may become more accurate in the lower right-hand part of the abdomen, which is also called as the McBurney point.

The following are the common symptoms of appendicitis:

• Abdominal swelling
• Inability to pass gas
• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting right after the abdominal pain starts
• Nearly half the time, the following symptoms occur:
• Severe cramps
• Painful urination
• Sharp or dull pain any place in the lower or upper abdomen, rectum or back
• Diarrhea or constipation

Treating Appendicitis - Appendectomy

The primary treatment for appendicitis involves the removal of the appendix. This is called appendectomy. Once the doctor suspects that you're suffering from appendicitis, the physicians will rely on safety measures and will decide to perform appendectomy to prevent the appendix from rupturing. If your appendix formed an abscess, doctors may have to form two procedures. The first one is to remove the abscess of fluid and pus and then proceed with the removal of your appendix.

Before the appendectomy, doctors will provide you with antibiotics to prevent peritonitis. You will also be given anesthesia. The appendix will be removed by laparoscopy. However, if you have developed peritonitis, the doctor may have to drain the pus from your abdomen. 12 hours after your surgery, you may begin to move around. However, you can only return to your normal activities 2-3 weeks after your surgery.

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