Everyone has probably heard of “appendicitis,” a disease that can occur in all genders and ages, from 2 years old to the elderly. However, it is most commonly found in the age group of 15-30 years. The appendix is an organ located between the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The tissue of the appendix consists of lymph nodes and is located in the lower right abdomen. Abdominal pain is one of the warning signs of this disease.
How does “appendicitis” occur?
The exact cause of appendicitis is mostly unknown. It may be caused by obstruction of the appendix, such as enlarged lymph nodes or hardened fecal matter. The lymphoid tissue in the appendix wall thickens due to various inflammations occurring in the body. It may also be caused by other factors, such as intestinal parasites (e.g., pork tapeworm) or tumors.
What kind of abdominal pain? … Risk of appendicitis
Appendicitis is swelling, inflammation, and infection of the appendix, which is located in the lower right abdomen. Symptoms of appendicitis usually start with abdominal pain, followed by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, fever, and bloating. The pain varies depending on the stage of inflammation of the appendix.
- Early obstruction stage of the appendix: The patient may experience pain around the navel and other symptoms such as loss of appetite and fullness.
- Swollen appendix stage: The abdominal pain increases rapidly within 1-2 days, usually located in the lower right abdomen.
- Ruptured appendix stage: Occurs when left untreated until the appendix ruptures and spreads in the abdominal cavity, causing complications such as abscess formation, palpable mass, lower abdominal pain, fever, or the spread of infection and pus throughout the abdomen. The infection can spread to the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening.
If appendicitis is suspected, it must be diagnosed by this method
To diagnose appendicitis, it starts with taking the patient’s history and physical examination, blood and urine tests. Additionally, Phyathai 2 Hospital offers accurate diagnostic imaging called CT Appendix.
Surgical treatment guidelines for appendicitis
The best treatment is urgent appendectomy because this disease cannot be treated with medication alone. Surgery also helps eliminate the risk of appendix rupture. Currently, there are two methods of appendectomy:
1. Conventional open appendectomy (Open Surgery)
- Surgery is performed in the lower right abdomen
- Incision size is 3-10 centimeters
- In cases of ruptured appendix, a longer midline abdominal incision may be required to wash the abdominal cavity
2. Laparoscopic appendectomy (Laparoscopic Surgery)
- Small incision of 1-2 centimeters at the navel
- Small incisions of 0.5 centimeters above the pubic area and in the lower right abdomen
- In cases where diagnosis is uncertain but symptoms are severe… laparoscopy can better examine the disease than conventional surgery
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay and faster return to daily activities
- Better cosmetic results
- Reduced complications
