Overview
Appendicitis is a condition when there is inflammation in your appendix. It can sometimes be acute or chronic. If in case you have appendicitis, your appendix will usually be removed. The reason is that it’s considered safer. There is a risk of the appendix getting burst.
As the inflammation increases, appendicitis becomes severe. Appendicitis usually occurs in people between the age of 10 and 30.
With 40 years of surgical excellence legacy, Shantiraj Hospital is well equipped with the most advanced surgical equipment and the best and the most experienced surgeons.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms are:-
The site of pain may vary depending on your age and the site of the appendix.
Causes and Complications
Appendicitis is caused due to a blockage in the lining of the appendix. This blockage causes infection and the bacteria multiplies rapidly.
Complications of appendicitis include rupture of the appendix and formation of a pocket of pus in the abdomen.
Diagnosis
Appendicitis can be diagnosed by a physical exam done by the doctor to access your pain. A doctor will perform various physical examinations to diagnose your problem.
A blood test can also help. A high WBC may indicate an infection. Your doctor may also recommend you to have a urine test and imaging test so that he can have a look at the reports and tell you about your condition and what to do next.
Removal of the appendix is the treatment of appendicitis. To remove the inflamed appendix, surgery is done.
Appendectomy can be done as open surgery. The doctor can perform a laparotomy by inserting one abdominal incision of about 2″- 4″.
The doctor can also perform laparoscopic surgery by inserting surgical tools and a video camera in your abdomen to remove the appendix. Laparoscopic surgery allows you to heal faster but it’s not appropriate for everyone. If your infection is chronic, the appendix is ruptured and the infection has spread beyond it, you’ll have to get the appendectomy done.
The abscess may be drained by inserting a tube through your skin into the abscess to control the infection.
Recovery
If a laparoscopic surgery is done, the recovery time is short. A patient can leave the hospital after a few days of surgery. In some cases, you might be able to go home within 24 hours of surgery. Also, some patients may feel pain in the tip of their shoulder.
But in the case of Appendectomy, the recovery time is longer. It might take a week for complete recovery. You will be given measures that you have to follow when you leave the hospital.
It may take about 2-3 weeks to return to normal activities. You may be asked to avoid strenuous activities for up to 6 weeks.
Shantiraj Hospital specialises in Laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Sapan Jain, Director at Shantiraj Hospital has an experience of 22 years in laparoscopic surgery.