Appendicitis is a condition that occurs when the appendix, a small organ located at the junction of the large and small intestines, becomes inflamed due to various reasons, often resulting from the blockage of the appendix lumen (by fecal matter, a foreign body, or a lymph node).
The most common symptom is pain felt in the lower right abdomen. This pain typically starts around the belly button and then localizes to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Additionally, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever may accompany this condition. Appendicitis is usually an emergency that requires surgical intervention because the appendix can rupture, leading to serious complications due to infection.
The appendix is a blind-ended structure located at the junction of the small and large intestines. Its length varies from 2 to 20 cm, depending on the individual. It is typically situated in the lower right part of the abdomen. However, it can also be found in other regions of the abdomen, and symptoms in those areas may be observed in the case of inflammation (appendicitis).
Appendicitis occurs when the lumen of the appendix becomes blocked, leading to the accumulation and infection of the appendix secretion. Over time, this results in the swelling of the appendix, the emergence of signs of infection, and the occurrence of symptoms such as pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Factors that can cause the blockage of the appendix include fecal matter, intestinal parasites, enlargement of lymph nodes, tumors, and injury to the appendix.
The most common symptom in a person with appendicitis is abdominal pain. Initially, the pain is felt around the belly button and gradually moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain is not sudden and severe but rather starts slowly and intensifies over time.
Coughing, walking, and abdominal movements can exacerbate the pain. Nausea and vomiting may also occur, and a lack of appetite is a common symptom of appendicitis. As it is an inflammatory condition, individuals with appendicitis often experience an elevated fever.
Since appendicitis can cause changes in bowel movements, it may manifest as diarrhea or constipation. However, it's important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to appendicitis and can indicate various other conditions. Therefore, diagnosing appendicitis requires a thorough patient history, doctor examination, and diagnostic test results.
The pain of appendicitis typically begins around the belly button and gradually localizes to the lower right side of the abdomen. While patients may initially describe mild discomfort, the intensity of the pain increases over time. The pain worsens with activities such as coughing, walking, and abdominal movements.
In some cases, patients may report that the pain extends toward the hip and groin. The pain associated with appendicitis reaches a certain intensity and does not increase further. The patient feels less pain when stationary and immobile, but the pain intensifies with movement.
Appendicitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the organ called the appendix, located at the junction of the large and small intestines. It typically manifests with abdominal pain.
If patients use pain relievers intensively to alleviate this pain or if there is a delay in diagnosis by a doctor, increased pressure inside the appendix can lead to a condition known as appendiceal rupture, where the appendix bursts, and the inflammation within the appendix spreads into the abdominal cavity. This can result in a serious infection within the abdomen, known as peritonitis.
The peritoneum acts as an organ that attempts to limit any infection occurring within the abdomen. In the case of appendiceal rupture, the condition of peritonitis arises due to infection spreading within the peritoneum, leading to widespread abdominal pain. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal swelling. This is a critical condition that requires urgent treatment. Treatment involves antibiotics, fluid therapy, and surgery. Therefore, intervening without waiting for the appendix to burst is crucial in the case of appendicitis.
Appendicitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the organ called the appendix. The treatment for appendicitis is generally surgical. It is crucial to treat appendicitis surgically in its early stages before it perforates (bursts).
The treatment for appendicitis involves the surgical removal of the appendix, a procedure known as appendectomy. This surgery can be performed using either an open or laparoscopic (closed) approach. In open surgery, a small incision is made in the lower right region of the abdomen to complete the operation. Alternatively, laparoscopic surgery involves using a camera through three small incisions in the abdomen to perform the removal of the appendix (appendectomy).
The hospital stay after appendicitis treatment is very short. Following the surgery, the patient is discharged with pain relievers and antibiotic treatment.
Laparoscopic appendicitis is a less invasive procedure compared to open surgery, performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. It involves a small incision made below the navel, through which a camera is inserted, and additional incisions are made below the midline of the abdomen (over the pubis) and in the lower left area of the abdomen. The procedure is carried out using instruments inserted through these incisions.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with less pain, fewer complications, a shorter recovery period, and a reduced hospital stay compared to open surgery. It is a surgical intervention that offers these advantages over traditional open procedures.
The cost of laparoscopic appendicitis surgery varies depending on the experience of the surgeon and the choice of the hospital. To obtain information about the price of laparoscopic appendicitis surgery, you can contact us.
The duration of appendicitis surgery depends on factors such as the extent of infection in the appendix, whether it has adhered to surrounding tissues, whether the appendix has ruptured, and the presence of adhesions in the abdominal organs.
If the patient has no specific complications and everything is normal, laparoscopic (closed) surgery typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. If an open surgical approach is preferred, the procedure may take a bit longer. If there are specific issues with the patient, these durations can vary.
Surgery If the patient undergoes intervention with laparoscopic appendectomy, the pain, recovery time, and hospital stay are significantly shorter. Patients typically stay in the hospital for a maximum of 1 day and are discharged the day after being admitted. If there are no specific complications, they can return to their normal lives within approximately 1 week to 10 days.
There are several points to consider during the recovery period after appendicitis surgery. These include:
The surgical intervention for a patient with appendicitis can be performed using an open or laparoscopic (closed) approach. The decision between open and laparoscopic surgery depends on the doctor's experience, the patient's condition (whether they have undergone abdominal surgery before),and other health issues the patient may have.
If feasible, laparoscopic (closed) surgery should be preferred. This method is less invasive, less painful, has a shorter recovery period, and results in a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.
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Prof. Dr. Sezai AydınGeneral Surgery Turkey
PROF. DR. SEZAI AYDIN
