Appendicitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch that projects from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. Appendicitis causes pain that typically begins around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt surgery to remove the appendix. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture, spilling infectious material into the abdominal cavity, which can be life-threatening.

Treatable Condition
Expert Care Available
CausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentHome CarePreventionSurgery

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What Causes It?

Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, often by fecal matter

Enlarged lymphoid follicles due to viral infection

Parasites or foreign bodies

Inflammatory bowel disease

Tumors (rarely)

Bacterial infection

Trauma to the abdomen

Family history may increase risk

Age (more common in individuals between 10 and 30 years)

Signs & Symptoms

Sudden pain that begins around the navel and often shifts to the lower right abdomen

Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or deep breathing

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses

Constipation or diarrhea

Abdominal bloating

Inability to pass gas

Rebound tenderness (pain when pressure is released from the abdomen)

In case of rupture: severe pain throughout abdomen and high fever

How We Diagnose

Our specialists use advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify and assess your condition

Physical Examination

The doctor will apply gentle pressure to the painful area to check for tenderness and rebound tenderness. They may also perform specific tests like the Rovsing sign or psoas sign to help diagnose appendicitis.

Blood Tests

A high white blood cell count indicates infection. Blood tests can also check for signs of inflammation and infection in the body.

Urine Tests

To rule out urinary tract infection or kidney stones, which can cause similar symptoms.

Imaging Studies

Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to visualize the appendix and determine if it is inflamed. These imaging techniques can also help rule out other causes of abdominal pain.

Treatment Options

Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and condition

1

Surgery (Appendectomy)

The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix. This can be performed as a traditional (open) surgery or as a less invasive laparoscopic procedure using several smaller incisions.

2

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are given before surgery to fight infection. In some cases of mild, uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics alone might be considered as treatment, though this approach is still being studied.

3

Pain Management

Pain medications are prescribed to manage discomfort before and after surgery.

4

Drainage of Abscess

If the appendix has burst and an abscess has formed, the doctor might place a drainage tube through the skin to drain the infection before performing an appendectomy.

Home Remedies

Important Note

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt professional medical attention. There are no safe home remedies to treat appendicitis, and attempting to treat it at home can lead to serious complications, including a ruptured appendix, which can be life-threatening.

Before Medical Care

While waiting for medical care, do not eat or drink anything, do not use laxatives or enemas, do not apply heat to the area, and avoid pain medications other than those prescribed by your doctor, as they can mask symptoms.

Prevention Tips

Appendicitis is not generally preventable as the cause is often unclear

Maintain good digestive health with a high-fiber diet

Stay well-hydrated

Seek prompt medical attention for persistent abdominal pain, especially if it begins around the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen

Do not ignore warning signs such as worsening pain, fever, or vomiting

Surgical Solutions

Advanced surgical procedures performed by our expert specialists

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

A minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon makes 1-3 small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted through one incision, and surgical tools are inserted through the others. The appendix is then removed through one of the incisions. This approach typically results in faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars.

Open Appendectomy

A traditional surgical approach where a single, larger incision is made in the lower right side of the abdomen. The appendix is removed through this incision. This approach may be necessary if the appendix has ruptured or if there are complications that make laparoscopic surgery difficult.

Interval Appendectomy

In some cases where an abscess has formed, the initial treatment may involve antibiotics and drainage of the abscess, followed by an appendectomy after several weeks when inflammation has subsided.

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