Appendicitis Surgery in Pune

Anatomy of the Appendix

• Location: The appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, attached to the cecum, which is the beginning part of the colon (large intestine).
• Function: The exact function of the appendix is not fully understood. It is considered a vestigial organ, meaning it has lost most of its original function through evolution. Some theories suggest it may have a role in maintaining gut flora or contributing to immune function in early life.

Types of Appendicitis

Acute Appendicitis

• Description: The most common type, where symptoms develop rapidly over 24 to 48 hours. It requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent complications.
• Symptoms:
  • Sudden pain that begins around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen
  • Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Abdominal bloating or tenderness

Chronic Appendicitis

• Description: A less common form where symptoms are milder and may come and go over several weeks, months, or even years. It can be challenging to diagnose due to its intermittent nature.
• Symptoms:
  • Recurring pain in the lower right abdomen
  • Mild fever
  • Nausea
  • General discomfort or digestive disturbances

Causes of Appendicitis

• Obstruction of the Appendiceal Lumen: The most common cause of appendicitis is a blockage in the appendix, often due to:
• • Fecaliths: Hardened stool or fecal stones
  • Lymphoid Hyperplasia: Swelling of lymphoid tissue, often related to infections or inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Foreign Bodies: Seeds, parasites, or other ingested materials
  • Tumors: Rarely, benign or malignant tumors can cause obstruction
• Infection: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause inflammation of the appendix.

Diagnosis of Appendicitis

Diagnosis of appendicitis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies:

• Medical History and Physical Examination:
• • The healthcare provider will check for tenderness in the lower right abdomen, known as McBurney’s point, and signs of guarding or rebound tenderness, which suggests peritoneal irritation.
  • Other physical tests may include the Rovsing’s sign (pain in the right lower abdomen when the left side is palpated), psoas sign (pain with extension of the right thigh), and obturator sign (pain with internal rotation of the right thigh).
• Laboratory Tests:
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis) indicating infection or inflammation.
  • C-reactive Protein (CRP): Elevated levels may indicate inflammation.
• Imaging Studies:
  • Ultrasound: Often the first imaging test in children and pregnant women to reduce radiation exposure. It can show an enlarged, non-compressible appendix.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): The most accurate imaging method for diagnosing appendicitis, providing detailed images of the appendix and surrounding structures.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used primarily for pregnant women to avoid radiation exposure; provides detailed imaging without using X-rays.

Treatment of Appendicitis

Surgical Treatment (Appendectomy)

• Laparoscopic Appendectomy:
  • A minimally invasive surgery involving small incisions and the use of a camera and surgical tools.
  • Advantages include less pain, quicker recovery, and a lower risk of infection or complications.
• Open Appendectomy:
  • Involves a larger incision in the lower right abdomen.
  • Used in cases of complicated appendicitis (e.g., perforation or abscess) or when laparoscopic surgery is not feasible.

Complications of Appendicitis

• Perforation (Ruptured Appendix):
• • The appendix can rupture if appendicitis is not treated promptly, leading to the spread of infectious material into the abdominal cavity.
  • Symptoms: Sudden relief from pain followed by severe, generalized abdominal pain, fever, and signs of sepsis.
• Peritonitis:
  • Inflammation of the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) due to perforation of the appendix.
  • Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, rigidity, high fever, and signs of septic shock (low blood pressure, rapid heart rate).
• Abscess Formation:
  • A localized collection of pus may form around the ruptured appendix.
  • Symptoms: Localized pain, fever, and signs of localized infection.
• Sepsis:
  • A life-threatening condition resulting from the body’s response to a severe infection, potentially leading to organ failure.

Prevention

There are no specific measures to prevent appendicitis, as its exact cause is not fully understood. However, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) may reduce the risk of developing fecaliths, which can obstruct the appendix.

Prognosis

The prognosis for appendicitis is generally good, especially with early diagnosis and treatment. Most people recover fully after an appendectomy. However, complications like perforation and peritonitis can lead to prolonged recovery times and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. The mortality rate for uncomplicated appendicitis is very low, but it increases with complications.

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Areas We Serve: Kharadi, Viman Nagar, Koregaon Park, Dhanori, Mundhwa, Hadapsar, Lohegaon, Kalyani Nagar, Wagholi, Yerawada, Chandan Nagar, Magarpatta, Wadgaon Sheri, Ubale Nagar, Keshav Nagar, Manjri, Sainikwadi.