What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. This condition can cause severe pain in the lower right abdomen and is considered a medical emergency. If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to the rupture of the appendix, resulting in serious complications like peritonitis.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
Common appendicitis symptoms include:
- The pain may begin around the belly button and then migrate to the lower right side of the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting soon after the pain starts.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fever and chills.
- Swelling and tenderness in the abdomen.
- Painful urination or constipation may occur in some cases.
If you experience severe abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately
Causes and Risk Factors of Appendicitis
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, leading to inflammation and infection. The causes of the blockage may include:
- Fecal matter or undigested food particles.
- Lymphatic tissue enlargement from infections
- Infection or tumors in the appendix.
- Genetics: A family history of appendicitis can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include:
- Age (more common in people aged 10-30)
- Male gender: Men are at a higher risk.
- Previous abdominal surgeries can increase the risk of infections leading to appendicitis
Treatment Options for Appendicitis
The most effective treatment for appendicitis is surgery.
Appendectomy (Surgical Removal of the Appendix):
The appendix is removed either through laparoscopic surgery (minimally invasive) or open surgery (traditional method).
Laparoscopic appendectomy involves smaller incisions, quicker recovery and minimal scarring.
Open appendectomy is used for more complicated cases, like a ruptured appendix
Why Choose Laparoscopic Surgery for Appendicitis?
- Smaller incisions and minimal scarring.
- Faster recovery with less pain and discomfort.
- Lower risk of complications such as infection or hernia.
- Precision and safety with advanced technology for better outcomes.