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Charak Hospital has the top appendix surgeons in Lucknow. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. The appendix is a small, tube-like structure that connects the large intestine to the stomach. Nobody understands what the appendix is for, but we know that appendicitis is a deadly condition. An appendectomy is frequently performed by a surgeon to remove a failing appendix.
Appendicitis can affect anyone, but it is most frequent in people between the ages of 10 and 30. The conventional treatment is to have the appendix surgically removed.
A sudden pain on the right side of the lower abdomen.
Pain that starts around the navel and usually spreads to the lower right abdomen.
Pain worsens with coughing, walking, or other jarring motions.
Nausea and vomiting occurred.
Appetite loss has occurred.
Low-grade fever, which may increase as the condition worsens.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Bloating in the abdomen.
Gas.
Appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix. Although the appendix appears to serve no purpose, it can rupture or cause infection if left untreated. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix's insides get clogged with mucus, bacteria, foreign materials, parasites, or firm stools. This causes appendix swelling, which leads to discomfort and inflammation.
A ruptured appendix: A ruptured appendix spreads infection throughout the belly, causing peritonitis. This potentially life-threatening illness necessitates prompt surgery to remove the appendix and clean out the abdominal cavity.
A pus pocket develops in the abdomen: If your appendix ruptures, you may develop a pocket of infection known as an abscess. In most situations, a surgeon will drain the abscess by inserting a tube through your abdomen wall into it. The tube is left in place for around two weeks while you are given antibiotics to treat the infection.
Once the infection has cleared, you will undergo surgery to remove the appendix. In some cases, the abscess is drained, and the appendix is immediately removed.
Diagnosis
To help diagnose appendicitis, your doctor will most likely ask you about your symptoms and inspect your abdomen.
The tests used to detect appendicitis are:
Physical examination: A member of your healthcare team may apply moderate pressure to the uncomfortable spot. When the pressure is suddenly released, appendicitis pain usually worsens. This is due to inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum.
Your healthcare team may also search for abdominal rigidity and a tendency to flex your abdominal muscles in reaction to pressure on the inflamed appendix. This is known as "guarding."
A member of your health care team may also inspect your lower rectum with lubricated, gloved fingers. This is referred to as a digital rectal examination. People of childbearing age may be given a pelvic exam to rule out other causes of pain.
A blood test: This test looks for an elevated white blood cell count. An elevated white blood cell count may indicate an infection.
Urine test. You may need to take a urine test, often known as a urinalysis. A urinalysis ensures that your pain is not due to a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone.
Imaging testing: You may also undergo imaging testing to confirm appendicitis or rule out other sources of pain. These tests could include an abdomen X-ray, an abdominal ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.
Treatment:
Appendicitis is usually treated with surgery to remove the appendix. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to surgery to treat an infection.
Surgery to remove the appendix: Appendectomy is a surgery that removes the appendix. Appendectomy can be conducted as open surgery with a single abdominal cut of 2 to 4 inches long. This procedure is known as a laparotomy. The procedure can also be performed with a few minor abdominal cuts. This is known as laparoscopic surgery. A laparoscopic appendectomy involves the surgeon inserting special equipment and a video camera into your abdomen to remove your appendix.
In general, laparoscopic surgery allows you to recover more quickly and with less discomfort and scarring. It may be better for older folks and obese persons.
However, laparoscopic surgery may not be appropriate for many patients. If your appendix ruptures and infection spreads beyond it, or if you have an abscess, you may require an open appendectomy. An open appendectomy allows your surgeon to wipe up the abdominal cavity.
Following your appendectomy, you should expect to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.
Draining an abscess prior to appendix surgery:
If your appendix ruptured and an abscess formed around it, the abscess might be drained. To drain it, a tube is inserted through your skin into the abscess. An appendectomy can be performed many weeks later, once the infection has been controlled.
If your appendicitis is not significant and does not necessitate surgery, antibiotics can be given alone. However, if the appendix is not removed, there is a greater risk of appendicitis returning.
Advantages of Laproscopic Appendectomy:
Pain after surgery has been minimized.
Fast recovery time
The cost of appendix surgery is low.
Wound infection and adhesion are less common complications following surgery.
You are likely to be asked various questions, including:
When did your abdominal pain start?
Where exactly does it hurt?
Has the pain eased?
How severe is your pain?
What causes your pain to become more severe?
What relieves your pain?
Are you feverish?
Do you experience nausea?
What are your other symptoms?