That is a sign of peritonitis, which is irritation or inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity from the appendix being so inflamed. Someone suffering from symptoms of appendicitis should go to the nearest emergency department that has a surgeon on call. Waiting can lead to a more-difficult surgery, longer time in the hospital and other complications. However, without treatment, pus will begin to collect inside the abdomen, creating abscesses and inflammation that make immediate surgery difficult.
The intestines all stick together, which makes going in to do surgery more problematic. During these situations, Rodriguez says surgeons often treat the infection with intravenous IV antibiotics and remove the appendix within six to eight weeks. Surgery is the preferred treatment for appendicitis, as it is considered the most efficient method to getting patients on the quickest road to recovery. Most patients with early appendicitis will go home the same day of the surgery or the next day.
While some swelling, bruising and minor discomfort around the surgical incisions can be expected, Rodriguez says most people are able to walk and eat after surgery, and are back to work or school within a week. Newer studies have shown recurrence rates of appendicitis in patients treated with antibiotics may be higher than what were initially thought, but Rodriguez says it is still a safe alternative to surgery in certain instances.
Other Common Questions Concerning the Appendix. Why do we have an appendix? The entire digestive tract helps with our immune system, but some scientists and doctors think the appendix may be a place for our body to store certain healthy types of gut bacteria that otherwise could be altered or changed during an intestinal illness or with overuse of antibiotics.
The theory is that the good bacteria can hide in the appendix and then help repopulate the rest of the colon with healthy bacteria if things ever get unbalanced. I heard that people who get their appendix removed are more likely to have their gallbladder removed — is that true? Studies have also shown that the lining of the gut contains a biofilm, or a thin layer of microbes, mucus , and immune system molecules — and these biofilms appear to be most pronounced in the appendix.
According to the so-called "safe house" theory, the appendix protects a collection of beneficial gut bacteria when certain diseases wipe them out from elsewhere in the GI tract. Once the immune system has rid the body of the infection, the bacteria emerge from the appendix biofilm and recolonize the gut. Researchers have recently found that numerous animals, including great apes, other primates, opossums, wombats, rabbits, and certain rodents all have structures similar to the appendix.
Sometimes, the appendix can become inflamed and infected, resulting in a condition called appendicitis. Appendicitis is often the result of an abdominal infection that has spread to the tiny organ, or some kind of obstruction that has blocked the small opening of the appendix.
Sources of blockage include, among other things:. The infection or obstruction causes the bacteria in the appendix to grow out of control, and the organ can fill with pus and swell. Appendicitis causes intense abdominal pain and other GI symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Removal of the appendix an appendectomy is often the necessary course of action, though increasingly, antibiotics may be recommended and used to treat the infection without the need for surgical intervention — depending on the severity of the case and other health factors in the individual patient. If the problem is left untreated, the pressure in the organ will increase until the appendix ruptures , or bursts.
When the appendix bursts, it spreads its content throughout the abdomen, potentially infecting the peritoneum, which is the silk-like membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. A peritoneum infection, called peritonitis , can then lead to sepsis , a complication that's potentially deadly if not treated aggressively. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: May 30, Medically Reviewed. Without treatment, you could develop an abscess or ruptured appendix. This can be a life-threatening condition and warrants immediate medical attention. If you suspect you have appendicitis, make an appointment with your doctor.
To diagnose your condition, they will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. They may also order lab work and imaging tests. The traditional approach to treating appendicitis is surgery. More and more, doctors are turning to minimally invasive surgery , or laparoscopy.
To perform minimally invasive surgery, your doctor will typically use two or more short incisions instead of one longer incision. In some cases, your doctor might try to avoid surgery altogether. A recent review of research published in the British Medical Journal found that antibiotics might be the best treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis. Using antibiotics rather than surgery appears to lower the risk of complications by at least 31 percent.
It appears to be a safe and effective option for uncomplicated appendicitis. Your doctor can use imaging techniques to learn if your appendicitis is uncomplicated or requires surgery. If you have an appendectomy, your doctor should teach you how to take care of yourself afterward.
It may take a few weeks or longer to recover, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Ask your doctor when you can expect to resume normal activities. An appendectomy can help treat an acute problem, but it might raise your risk of other issues later on.
According to researchers in the journal PLoS One , appendectomy might also raise your risk of developing colorectal cancer, particularly rectal cancer. Ask your doctor for more information about your specific condition, treatment options, and outlook. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of an appendectomy. An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix.
Learn about the appendectomy procedure, risks, and recovery. Researchers say in some less serious cases of appendicitis antibiotics can help avoid surgery to remove the appendix. Appendicitis is an inflammation of your appendix, in the lower right side of your abdomen, that requires immediate treatment.
Some symptoms can be….
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