Appendicitis: Diagnosis and Treatment
Appendix is a tubular structure, shaped like a pig's tail, that is attached to the first portion of the colon, or large bowel.
This appendix is located in the lower right part of the abdomen, approximately 20-25cm from the belly button at about 7 o'clock position.
It measures approximately 10cm in length.
When the opening of this appendix is obstructed by substance such as hair or stool, it can become inflamed, which may result in a condition commonly known as acute appendicitis.
Appendicitis most commonly develops in younger individuals in their teens or 20's.
However, appendicitis can occur at any age in individuals, even in elderly, if they have not had their appendix removed.
The initial symptoms associated with appendicitis is usually very vague and non-specific.
Often individuals affected may complain of vague abdominal discomfort or pain that are diffuse and not well localized.
It is common for the affected individual to complain of indigestion.
Some may complain of lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting.
However, as the inflammation progresses, abdominal pain becomes more severe and intense, and localizes to the right lower region of abdomen.
If the disease progresses, the appendix may rupture and cause generalized infection of the abdominal cavity.
This would cause severe intense pain and may be life threatening if not treated urgently.
To make the diagnosis of appendicitis, a careful physical examination is obviously very important and helpful.
In particular, there may be a focal tenderness in the right lower abdomen, both when the area is gently pressed, and sometime even when the hand that is pressing the region is released.
In fact, the latter finding may be an indication that there may be a small leakage or impending rupture of the appendix.
Some patients may develop fever and chill.
When the blood test is performed, there may be an elevation of white blood cell count, which is a general indication of infectious process.
Although most instances of appendicitis may be diagnosed with physical examination and routine blood tests, abdominal sonogram or CT scan may be helpful in difficult cases.
If untreated, appendicitis may progress to gangrene, rupture, and may even be life threatening.
Thus, a timely surgical treatment is essential in the management of appendicitis.
In most cases, surgery can be performed without much difficulty, and one can expect a full recovery from the surgery in 1-2 days.
Recent studies indicate that in selected cases, antibiotic therapy without surgery may be sufficient in treating acute appendicitis.
This appendix is located in the lower right part of the abdomen, approximately 20-25cm from the belly button at about 7 o'clock position.
It measures approximately 10cm in length.
When the opening of this appendix is obstructed by substance such as hair or stool, it can become inflamed, which may result in a condition commonly known as acute appendicitis.
Appendicitis most commonly develops in younger individuals in their teens or 20's.
However, appendicitis can occur at any age in individuals, even in elderly, if they have not had their appendix removed.
The initial symptoms associated with appendicitis is usually very vague and non-specific.
Often individuals affected may complain of vague abdominal discomfort or pain that are diffuse and not well localized.
It is common for the affected individual to complain of indigestion.
Some may complain of lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting.
However, as the inflammation progresses, abdominal pain becomes more severe and intense, and localizes to the right lower region of abdomen.
If the disease progresses, the appendix may rupture and cause generalized infection of the abdominal cavity.
This would cause severe intense pain and may be life threatening if not treated urgently.
To make the diagnosis of appendicitis, a careful physical examination is obviously very important and helpful.
In particular, there may be a focal tenderness in the right lower abdomen, both when the area is gently pressed, and sometime even when the hand that is pressing the region is released.
In fact, the latter finding may be an indication that there may be a small leakage or impending rupture of the appendix.
Some patients may develop fever and chill.
When the blood test is performed, there may be an elevation of white blood cell count, which is a general indication of infectious process.
Although most instances of appendicitis may be diagnosed with physical examination and routine blood tests, abdominal sonogram or CT scan may be helpful in difficult cases.
If untreated, appendicitis may progress to gangrene, rupture, and may even be life threatening.
Thus, a timely surgical treatment is essential in the management of appendicitis.
In most cases, surgery can be performed without much difficulty, and one can expect a full recovery from the surgery in 1-2 days.
Recent studies indicate that in selected cases, antibiotic therapy without surgery may be sufficient in treating acute appendicitis.
