Appendix

• Definition
• Symptoms
• Treatment
 Definition

• Appendicitis is a disease characterized by

inflammation or swelling of the appendix in the form
of a small pocket thin 5 to 10 cm in size connected to
the colon.
• The appendix also has a layer that can remove certain
substances. However, the other end is closed, which
means that the object that enters the appendix cannot
be removed unless there is pressure from the inside
that pushes the object out of the bag.
 Sympthoms
• The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:
• Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the
lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins
• Abdominal swelling
• Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Inability to pass gas
• Almost half the time, other symptoms of appendicitis appear, including:
• Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or rectum
• Painful urination and difficulty passing urine
• Vomiting that precedes the abdominal pain
• Severe cramps
• Constipation or diarrhea with gas
 Treatment
• Treatment for appendicitis varies. In most cases, however, surgery will be
necessary. The type osurgery will depend on the details of your case.
• If you have an abscess that hasn’t ruptured, your doctor may first administer
antibiotics. Your doctor will then drain the abscess using a tube placed
through your skin. After you’ve received treatment for the infection, you’ll
undergo surgery to remove your appendix.

• If you have a ruptured abscess or appendix, surgery may be necessary right

away. Surgery to remove the appendix is known as an appendectomy.
• Your doctor can perform this procedure as open surgery or through a
laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is less invasive, making the recovery time
shorter. However, open surgery may be necessary if you have an abscess or
peritonitis.