What is appendicitis?
- Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed.
- The appendix is a finger or worm-shaped pouch that projects out from the cecum (the beginning of the colon).
- In most individuals, the appendix becomes inflamed because its tissues become infected with bacteria, and pus may develop within the lumen of the appendix. Mechanical blockage of the appendix by hard stool, a foreign body, or thick mucus may also lead to bacterial infections.
- The signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include aching pain that begins around the umbilicus (belly button) and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain may be sharp and can increase by movements such as walking or coughing. Many individuals may develop nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, constipation, inability to pass gas, and abdominal swelling. Individuals may also develop diarrhea.
- A common sign of appendicitis is deep tenderness at the McBurney's point (the location of McBurney's point is about 2/3 the distance starting from the umbilicus to the right anterior superior iliac spine); however, young children and pregnant females may experience pain elsewhere in the abdomen.
Appendix Treatment
How is appendicitis treated?
Once a diagnosis of appendicitis is made, an appendectomy usually is performed. Antibiotics almost always are begun prior to surgery and as soon as appendicitis is suspected.
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What are the complications and risks of appendectomy?
- Wound infection is the most common complication of an appendectomy.
- Abscess formation in the area of the removed appendix or surgical incision site may also occur.
- Other relatively infrequent or rare complications may include ileus (lack of intestinal peristalsis), surgical injuries to internal organs or structures, gangrene of the bowel, peritonitis (infection in the peritoneal cavity) and bowel obstruction.
Are there long-term consequences of removing the appendix?
For most individuals there are no long-term consequences of removing the
appendix. However, some individuals may have an increased risk of developing an
incisional hernia, stump appendicitis (infections due to a retained portion of
the appendix), and bowel obstruction.
