Appendix Removal Surgery
An appendix removal surgery or an appendectomy is a procedure for treating appendicitis. Appendicitis is a medical emergency that must be treated as soon as possible. When left untreated, the appendix can burst and result in more health complications. Only a doctor can diagnose whether abdominal pain or discomfort points to appendicitis and whether surgery is needed. Appendectomy can be done as open surgery or laparoscopically, depending on a range of factors.
What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. The exact function of this organ is unknown, but a study released by Midwestern University stated that the appendix might be a reservoir of beneficial gut bacteria. A person can live without an appendix because this organ does not perform any vital functions. Pain in the abdomen is the most common symptom of appendicitis, which you may feel as:
- Pain starting near the belly button and moving lower and to the right.
- A sudden onset of pain that may wake you up if you’re asleep.
- 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.
However, some people with appendicitis may not have these 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 with a doctor if you or a loved one is experiencing discomfort or pain for a proper diagnosis.
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
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.
