What is appendicitis ? | causes, symptoms, and treatment | 2019

APPENDICITIS

Hello everyone 

Today's blog is all about appendicitis. The appendix is a small pouch(finger shaped) situated at the lower right side of the abdomen( Right iliac region). The exact location of the appendix is at the junction of the small intestine and large intestine.

The function of the appendix is still in doubt that some scientists believe that appendix is the storehouse of good bacteria that release after the attack of diarrhea but some scientists say that there is no any function of the appendix and its useless part of our body.

Definition of Appendicitis 

Appendicitis is defined as inflammation of the appendix. One should always know that appendicitis is a medical emergency if untreated than it will burst or rupture and spread infection in the abdomen. This can lead to inflammation of the peritoneum(peritonitis)and that can be fatal and need emergency treatment with higher antibiotics.

CAUSES OF APPENDICITIS 

Thre exact define cause of appendicitis is unknown some scientists believe that there is an obstruction of appendix lead to form infection inside and become swollen and painful.

Obstruction of appendix leads to multiplying of bacteria and the formation of pus and swelling occur. So because of the formation of pus sever pain starts at the lower right abdomen.

SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS 

Classical symptoms of appendicitis 

1. Initially pain at the upper abdomen later pain shift to the lower abdomen and become severe.
2. loss of appetite
3. vomiting/nausea
4. fever
5. cramps
6. constipation or diarrhea 

DIAGNOSIS OF APPENDICITIS 

The abdomen has lots of organ in it and all are important for body function so, on the basis of abdominal pain, there is lots of reason or etiology are suspected there for diagnosis of appendicitis is tricky. Your doctor may advise below investigation to rule out the exact cause of abdominal pain.

• Abdominal examination for tenderness and inflammation
• Urine test
• Rectal examination
• Complete blood count
• USG of abdomen 
• CT-scan

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF ABDOMEN

1. Urinary tract infection
2. Gastroenteritis
3. Urolithiasis
4. Ectopic pregnancy
5. crohn's disease 

TREATMENT OF APPENDICITIS

Line of treatment is varying according to the severity of appendicitis. The physician may recommend the following line of treatment. 

• Liquid diet
• Analgesic
• Antibiotics
• IV- fluids
• Needle drainage of abscess
• Surgical removal of the appendix (Appendectomy) 

In most of the case of appendicitis, the physician advises for surgical removal of the appendix for safe side.

Appendectomy is the best option for appendicitis rather than antibiotics therapy. There are two types of the surgical procedure are available for an appendectomy.

1. Open surgery:- In this type of surgery surgeon can incise abdomen about 2 to 4 inch at McBurney's point to remove the appendix. 

2. Laparoscopic surgery:- In laparoscopic surgery surgeon can incise a few small opening in the abdomen and insert a very small robotic line with a camera and remove the appendix. This minimum invasive surgery can fasten the recovery so nowadays all the surgeon recommended laparoscopic surgery.

COMPLICATION OF APPENDICITIS

1. Peritonitis:- If untreated than appendix may rupture and releases the pus in the abdominal cavity, that leads to infection of peritoneum( peritonitis)

2. Perforation

3. Appendicular Abcsess

4. Surgical wound infection

DR. AMIN BAYAD

(BHMS)