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Understanding Appendicitis and Surgery

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a tube that branches off the large intestine, to treat appendicitis which is an inflammation of the appendix caused by infection. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked and swollen, usually by bacteria, mucus, or stool. Common symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the lower right abdomen that increases over time, nausea, vomiting, fever and an inability to pass gas. Because the appendix could rupture within 48-72 hours, causing a severe infection, appendicitis is considered a medical emergency.

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Geralden Vinluan Pingol
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8 views2 pages

Understanding Appendicitis and Surgery

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a tube that branches off the large intestine, to treat appendicitis which is an inflammation of the appendix caused by infection. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked and swollen, usually by bacteria, mucus, or stool. Common symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the lower right abdomen that increases over time, nausea, vomiting, fever and an inability to pass gas. Because the appendix could rupture within 48-72 hours, causing a severe infection, appendicitis is considered a medical emergency.

Uploaded by

Geralden Vinluan Pingol
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is an appendectomy?

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a tube about six inches long or less that branches off the large intestine. The procedure is performed to treat appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix caused by infection. Acute appendicitis is the most common condition of the abdomen to require emergency surgery. Because of the likelihood of the appendix rupturing and causing a severe, life-threatening infection, the usual recommendation is that the appendix be removed as soon as possible.

What causes appendicitis?

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Appendicitis occurs when the interior of the appendix becomes filled with something that causes it to swell, such as mucus, bacteria, foreign body, stool, or parasites. The appendix then becomes irritated and inflamed. Rupture (or perforation) occurs as holes develop in the walls of the appendix, allowing stool, mucus, and other substances to leak through and get inside the abdomen. An infection inside the abdomen known as peritonitis occurs when the appendix perforates. Because of the risk of rupture, which may occur as soon as 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin, appendicitis is considered an emergency and anyone with symptoms needs to see a doctor immediately.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?


Appendicitis may cause pain in the abdomen which may be described as follows:

May start in the area around the belly button, and move over to the lower right-hand side of the abdomen, but may also start in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen Usually increases in severity as time passes May become more severe with moving, taking deep breaths, being touched, and coughing or sneezing May spread throughout the abdomen if the appendix ruptures

Other symptoms of appendicitis include, but are not limited to, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and chills, constipation, diarrhea, inability to pass gas, and abdominal swelling.

The symptoms of appendicitis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. In addition, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis. It is important that people with symptoms of appendicitis not take laxatives or enemas to relieve constipation, as these medications and procedures can cause the appendix to burst. In addition, pain medication should be avoided, as this can mask other symptoms.

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