Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Common symptoms include sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Medically known as acute appendicitis, this condition commonly occurs among young people in their teens to their thirties. While the exact cause is not always clear, it is believed that blockage of the appendix—often by hardened stool or swollen lymphoid tissue—can trigger inflammation.
If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture, leading to a severe abdominal infection called peritonitis. For this reason, early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment are essential. The standard treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix.
There are two main methods: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery.
Open surgery involves making a larger incision to remove the appendix, while laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions through which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted.
Surgeons today generally prefer laparoscopic surgery due to its benefits, including smaller scars, quicker recovery times, and shorter hospital stays.
The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and most patients are discharged within three to seven days, assuming no complications arise.
Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is typically fast. Patients often begin with a brief fasting period, then gradually resume eating light meals within two days.
Many can return to normal activities within a week. Recovery from open surgery usually takes longer. Post-operative care involves monitoring the incision site for signs of infection, avoiding strenuous abdominal activities, and preventing constipation to minimize pressure on the healing area. Protecting the surgical site and maintaining good hygiene ensures a smooth recovery.
Although appendicitis is a treatable condition, delaying medical attention can lead to severe complications such as peritonitis or sepsis. Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with appendicitis should seek immediate medical care.
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