Appendicitis
PRE BY MUJEEB AHMAD
NWIHS
? is Appendix?
What
The appendix is
small, tube like
structure
attached to first
part of large
intestine.
The appendix is
a small pouch,
normally about 5
to 10 cm long (2
to 4 ins) and
quite thin
Functions
The appendix has no known
function in humans.
Evidence suggests that our
evolutionary ancestors used their
appendixes to digest tough food
like tree bark, but we don't use
ours in digestion now.
Whether the appendix has a
function or not, it can be removed
without any ill effects.
What is Appendicitis?
It refers to the
condition
characterized by
inflammation of the
appendix.
If untreated, mortality is high, mainly
because of the risk of rupture leading to
infection and inflammation of the intestinal
lining (peritoneum)
If the blockage is not treated, the appendix
can burst and spread infection into the
abdomen. This causes a condition called
peritonitis.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency.
Treatment almost always involves removing
the appendix. Anyone can get appendicitis,
but it is more common among people
between 10 to 30 years old.
Location of McBurney's point (1), located two thirds the
distance from the umbilicus (2) to the anterior superior iliac
spine (3).
6
Symptoms
The main symptom is pain in the abdomen. ,
often on the right side.
Swelling in the abdomen.
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Low fever
Not everyone with appendicitis has all these
symptoms.
Causes
An obstruction. Food waste or a hard piece of
stool (fecal stone) can block the opening of the
cavity that runs the length of your appendix.
An infection. Appendicitis may also follow an
infection, such as a gastrointestinal viral
infection, or it may result from other types of
inflammation.
In both cases, bacteria inside the appendix
multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to
become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If
not treated promptly, the appendix can
rupture.
Pathophysiology
Appendix become obstructed
Increase intra-luminal pressure
Decrease venous drainage, Thrombosis, Edema,
and Bacterial Invasion of Bowel Wall.
Appendix become increasingly hyperemic, warm
and covered with exudate.
Perforation and gangrene of appendix
Treatment & Management
Medical examination: The original test for
appendicitis, a simple examination of the belly
remains important in making the diagnosis.
Changes in the abdominal exam help doctors
tell if appendicitis is progressing, as well.
CT scan (computed tomography): A CT scanner
uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed
images. In appendicitis, CT scans can show the
inflamed appendix, and whether it has
ruptured.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to
detect signs of appendicitis, such as a swollen
appendix.
Complete blood count (CBC): An increased
number of white blood cells -- a sign of
infection and inflammation -- are often seen on
blood tests during appendicitis.
Surgery to remove the appendix, which is
called an appendectomy, is the standard
treatment for appendicitis.