Appendicitis
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
If you think you have appendicitis, see a doctor immediately. Avoid laxatives because they can cause your appendix to burst.
Appendicitis is usually a clinical diagnosis and needs to be determined by a doctor. If the doctor suspects appendicitis after examining the abdomen and reviewing symptoms, surgery is usually done as quickly as possible to avoid any risk of further complications.
The doctor may perform a number of tests that can also provide information on the extent and location of inflammation. After a physical examination, a blood test may be done to check for infection. A doctor might also take a urine sample to rule out a urinary tract infection, because symptoms can be similar to those of appendicitis.
Sometimes an ultrasound will be performed to help with the diagnosis, especially for children suspected of having appendicitis. An abdominal CT scan is occasionally needed for people when other tests do not give clear results.
Other diseases that can be confused with appendicitis include colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, gastroenteritis, tubal pregnancy, and ovary problems.
Treating and Preventing Appendicitis
Surgery is considered the most effective treatment for acute appendicitis. The appendix is often removed (appendectomy) within hours of diagnosis, as delaying a surgery can be fatal, since an inflamed appendix can rupture at any time. Appendectomy is a fairly simple operation even if the appendix is already ruptured, where only minor changes to the procedure are made to reduce the risk of long-term peritonitis. Antibiotics will be given before surgery and may be continued after the operation in case bacteria enter the abdomen during the procedure.
The traditional method of conducting an appendectomy is referred to as an open appendectomy, where a surgeon makes a cut on the side of the abdomen and removes the appendix. Most surgeons utilize a less invasive form of appendectomy called a laparoscopic appendectomy, where the appendix is removed through a small tube with the guide of a video camera, leaving only a very tiny wound behind.
Depending on the type of procedure, some people can get out of bed the same day. In most cases, the incision will heal within a few days to a week. Treating appendicitis with antibiotics to delay surgery is another option that is usually only used for select groups of patients (e.g., those with localized and uncomplicated appendicitis).
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Appendicitis
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