APPENDICITIS

Appendix is a small out pouching of the large bowel called Caecum. It is a vestigial organ and lies on the right lower part of the belly. It can be safely removed without any ill effect to the body functions.

ACUTE APPENDICITIS:

An appendix quite commonly gets infected giving rise to a condition called Acute appendicitis. If untreated this can create further complication.

HOW DO I KNOW IF SOMEONE HAS APPENDICITIS:

Patients with appendicitis usually feel have sudden onset of vague pain in the top part or centre of the tummy associated with nausea and or vomiting. The pain is described as sharp, burning pain which in a few hours radiates and settles into the right lower abdomen, where the area becomes tender and the patients finds that it hurts on movements.
It is more common in children and elderly people and is more dangerous in children.

WHAT TO DO?

Any one with the symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis, should seek help of a surgeon as an emergency.

TREATEMENT:

Operation and removal of the appendix is the ONLY sensible treatment.
It can be safely done by KEY HOLE surgery under General anaesthetic.
There are usually 2-3 small cuts in the lower belly. The scars usually fade over time.
The hospital stay is usually 24-48 hours.