Introduction
Appendix is a
long, narrow, tubular organ located in the lower abdomen on the right side just
near the junction of small and large intestines. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix which
is usually caused when it's opening in the intestine is blocked by fecal matter
or parasites.
Symptoms
Initially, there
is a pain in the central abdomen associated with nausea, vomiting, and loss of
appetite. Later on, the pain migrates to the right lower abdomen. There may be
fever, diarrhea, urinary complaints, etc. in some cases.
Treatment
The diagnosis of
a case of acute appendicitis is essentially made by a Doctor based on his/her
clinical experience. The tests which help to support the diagnosis are blood
counts and USG abdomen. In some cases, a CT scan may be required but none of
the investigations is 100% sensitive/specific.
The treatment of
a suspected case of acute appendicitis is emergency appendectomy i.e. surgical
removal of the appendix. It may be done by open or laparoscopic surgery. The advantages
of laparoscopic appendectomy are smaller incision, less pain, lesser blood loss, and shorter hospital stay. The other benefit is that the entire abdominal
cavity can be visualized and any other co-existing disease can also be treated
at the same time.
Recovery –
The operation
takes around 30-45 minutes to perform and the length of stay for an
uncomplicated case is around 2 days. The patient is usually kept nil per oral
for 12-24 hours after the surgery. They can take liquid diet the next day and can have soft
diet subsequently.
DR ACHAL AGRAWAL is a
consultant gastrointestinal, laparoscopic & bariatric surgeon at Greater
Kailash Hospital, Indore. Dr. Achal Agrawal, during his undergraduate days in a
premier medical college, was highly influenced to take up surgery as his
specialization. He has experience of more than 10 years with more than 1000
successful surgeries.
Book Appointment: – +91 -9171770805
Email: – drachalagrawal@gmail.com
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