Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix
becomes inflamed and may or may not be filled with pus. The inflammation can
result in severe pain. The appendix or vermiform appendix is
a pouch-like structure attached
at the beginning of the large intestine.
Appendicitis is caused by infections like viruses, bacteria, or other parasites. Symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the right lower
abdomen or pain near the navel, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, and
indigestion. Individuals prone to appendicitis are teenagers with a family
history, sedentary lifestyle, and consuming a lot of junk foods.
Appendicitis is usually diagnosed by an
abdominal X-Ray, abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
Treatment for
appendicitis includes
antibiotic medications, and in some cases, surgery is required. The surgical
procedure involves the removal of the appendix (appendicectomy).
Laparotomy and
laparoscopic surgeries are
commonly preferred nowadays. Treating appendicitis at the earliest can prevent
further complications, which can be life-threatening.
As technology advances, it usually takes
an hour to complete the surgery and the patient can return home within 2 days.