About Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a common medical condition that can quickly become life threatening. In all cases of appendicitis, it is important that the problem be diagnosed quickly and the appendix be removed during a procedure called a appendectomy. The symptoms of appendicitis often mirror those of other conditions, but the use of other diagnostic tests helps physicians make a confirmed diagnosis and act accordingly.

Significance

• Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed due to a problem such as trauma, an obstruction, intestinal worms, or foreign bodies. Appendicitis can be caused by a bowel obstruction in the colon. Whatever causes it, this obstruction causes bacteria inside the appendix to invade the wall of the organ. An individual's immune system then launches an attack against the bacteria in the form of inflammation. The combination of bacteria and inflammation in the wall of the appendix can cause the appendix to burst, spreading the bacteria throughout the abdomen and infecting other organs. If not caught in time, this infection can lead to death.

Features

• In cases of appendicitis, physicians rely on a number of features to help them decide on a diagnosis. A major feature is the appearance of an inflamed appendix on a CT or ultrasound. These technologies allow physicians and technicians to view the appendix prior to surgery. In about 15 percent of cases, the appendix appears normal on all imaging. In these cases, physicians rely on blood tests that show an elevated white count and physical examinations to make a concrete diagnosis.

Effects

• The effects of appendicitis are what allow physicians to make a diagnosis and treat it appropriately. Typically, the first symptom of appendicitis is pain in the lower right portion of the abdomen. This pain then travels throughout the rest of the abdomen. Pain typically leads to a lack of hunger. Many patients also experience nausea, vomiting and a high fever. In rare cases, appendicitis can lead to diarrhea and bladder problems.

Prevention/Solution

• In all cases, appendicitis requires that the appendix be removed. If surgery is not performed, the appendix will eventually burst and lead to death. An appendectomy, the removal of the appendix, is performed either through a laparoscopic approach or through a laparotomy. In the first approach, the appendectomy is performed with the help of a camera and three small holes. If the appendix has ruptured, or there are complications, a laparotomy is done. In this case, a larger incision is made to allow the surgeon to view the entire area.

Warning

• While most patients recooperate easily from an appendectomy, all medical procedures carry a risk. Infection may persist past the time of the surgery, especially if it has spread to nearby organs. In rare cases, recovery may be delayed by an inflammation of the abdominal wall that developed before the appendix was removed. The longer an individual waits before seeking medical attention, the more likely he is to have complications.