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Appendicitis is an
inflammation of the vermiform (which means
"worm-like") appendix, a
finger-like appendage to the cecum, the first
part of the large intestine, located in the
lower right side of your abdomen. The inflammation
results from a bacterial infection that causes
the appendix to swell and fill with pus. An
early symptom of appendicitis is intermittent
pain in the navel region. This becomes more
severe and, usually within hours, localizes to
the lower, right side of the abdomen. The
abdominal muscles tighten, and the person loses
his or her appetite and becomes nauseated. A
slight fever is usual, as is constipation. (The
inflammation, however, may on occasion trigger
diarrhea.) The lower abdomen is tender; touching
or pushing increases the pain. Many people will
note that the pain is made worse by being bumped
or jarred; particularly when riding in a car,
going over bumps in the road. Appendicitis is a common
condition (1 to 2 cases per 1000 people
annually). Males between ages 10 and 30 are most
commonly affected, but we have had patients even
in their 90's with appendicitis.
The diagnosis of appendicitis
can often be made based on the patient's
description of the pain, coupled with the
expected findings on examination of the
abdomen. In many cases, a CAT scan of the
abdomen will help to confirm appendicitis as the
source of the symptoms, as well as rule out
other problems which can mimic the symptoms of
appendicitis.
Some cases of
appendicitis are associated with atypical
symptoms, and some patients with the typical
symptoms actually have other disorders. So, if
appendicitis is suspected, a surgeon should be
consulted promptly. If the surgeon suspects
appendicitis, an operation will be recommended.
At DeKalb Surgical Associates, most cases of
suspected appendicitis are managed with
laparoscopy. This procedure involves placing a
scope with an attached television camera into
the navel. The appendix can usually be easily
visualized, and if inflamed, it can usually be
removed without the traditional three to five
inch long incision. For the typical patient,
the hospital stay is less than 48 hours, though
more complicated cases will require longer
stays. Potential complications following
appendectomy include persistent infection in the
abdomen even after appendix removal, infection
extending to the incisions used for the surgery,
and post-operative bleeding, among others. |
