Appendicitis Treatment Surgery

Appendicitis treatment surgery is a procedure for treating appendicitis, a medical emergency that must be treated as soon as possible. When left untreated, the appendix can rupture and result in more health complications. Consult with a doctor if you experience unusual abdominal discomfort or pain, as these symptoms may point to appendicitis. Only a doctor can diagnose you properly and recommend whether surgery may be necessary.

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis happens when the appendix, a tube-shaped organ in the large intestine, becomes inflamed. Appendicitis symptoms include:

• Pain beginning near the belly and moving lower and to the right.
• A sudden onset of pain that may interrupt your sleep.
• Worsening pain when you move around, cough, breathe deeply or sneeze.
• The kind of pain that may feel different compared to any pain you have felt.

The exact function of the appendix is unknown, but a study released by Midwestern University stated that this organ might be a reservoir of beneficial gut bacteria.

Appendix removal is often a treatment option for people with severe appendicitis. A person can live without an appendix because this organ does not perform any vital functions. In the United States, appendicitis affects an estimated 9 of every 100 people at some point. In fact, this condition is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain that requires surgery. Acute abdominal pain means that symptoms suddenly appear and worsen within a short duration.

What Triggers Appendicitis?

Possible causes of appendicitis may include the following, although in many cases the cause is unclear:

• Blockage in the appendix opening
• Enlarged appendix tissue wall
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Some people with appendicitis may not have the usual symptoms, but may experience bowel problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, inability to pass gas and the feeling that passing stool will relieve discomfort. Other symptoms may include fever, appetite loss, vomiting, nausea and abdominal swelling. Talk to your healthcare provider if you or a loved one is experiencing discomfort or pain for a proper diagnosis.