It is a common ailment that affects the appendix, which is a sac like organ located in your lower belly. It can be inflamed or infected and this inflammation can spread from the appendix to other parts of the body.
The symptoms are usually severe and include intense abdominal pain and tenderness. Sometimes you may feel sicker after eating food than usual. A doctor will diagnose appendicitis based on these symptoms. If the appendix ruptures it can cause internal bleeding into nearby organs, so there’s also a risk of infection spreading to those organs too. This condition should always be treated early because if not, it could lead to serious complications such as perforation and abscess formation.
If you have any of the following signs, then you need to see your doctor right away:
Signs of appendicitis
Abdominal pain that starts suddenly and lasts for more than three days without any obvious reason
Pain that gets worse after eating certain foods
Fever and nausea
Diarrhea and/or constipation
Vomiting
Nausea
Fatigue
Weakness
A general physician or family doctor can diagnose appendicitis using his clinical experience after examining patient’s symptoms. However, if you feel really uncomfortable with the diagnosis, then you should consult a specialist who has better diagnosis tools at their disposal. There are several options available to treat appendicitis, but before we go over them let us take a look at some things you must keep in mind.
If you find yourself suffering from the above mentioned symptoms, then you might want to consider having an x-ray done to rule out any possible causes of your disease. Your doctor may order blood tests and imaging studies if he suspects something wrong with your appendix. He can use the results of these tests to rule out other health issues and confirm if appendicitis is the right thing to believe.
There are different types of treatment options available for appendicitis. But how do you know which one to choose? Let’s discuss all the treatment options available to you in detail.
After this you will have a question which is very common and everybody asks about it that is where is your appendix your appendix is located between your both of the intestines the small and the large one. Appendix is very small and having a structure of just like a finger. After reading this we might think that you will now have a basic knowledge of it.
Here are the most commonly used treatments for appendicitis:
- Non-Surgical Alternative Treatments
Non-surgical alternative treatments are often considered first when dealing with appendicitis. It is recommended by doctors as they are safe and effective compared to surgical procedures. They involve taking prescribed medicines and making lifestyle changes. These treatments aim to reduce the chances of getting appendicitis in the future.
Some of the non-surgical alternatives to treat appendicitis include:
- Percutaneous Drainage
This method involves inserting a needle through the skin to remove pus that is causing inflammation from your appendix. It is not as painful as traditional surgery and requires less time. In fact, you can be discharged from the hospital within 24 hours.
Percutaneous drainage can be performed in the emergency room or outpatient setting depending on your situation. It works best when the appendix is infected with little to no infection present. This technique is safe for children under the age of 18 years old. There are no risks associated with this treatment except for mild discomfort. Apart from that, you can resume normal activities immediately after you get discharged from the hospital.
- Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is another option that can be used to treat appendicitis. It is known as minimally invasive surgery as it uses small incisions to access the abdomen. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts long tubes called laproscopes to view the area inside the body. This helps to minimize trauma to surrounding tissues and organs.
Compared to traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery is more beneficial for patients because it reduces the chance of scarring. It is also faster and safer since surgeons do not have to worry about damaging important structures while working inside the abdomen. However, it comes with its own set of risks, including postoperative infections and bleeding. If you have appendicitis that is complicated by abscess formation, the surgery is likely to fail.
- Open Surgical Procedure
Open surgical procedure is the standard approach used to treat appendicitis. It involves cutting open the abdomen to remove the appendix. This method is widely used today and it is considered to be the gold standard treatment for appendicitis.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes cuts in your abdomen to expose the appendix. Once the appendix is removed, the surgeon stitches up your abdomen. The entire procedure takes around 30 minutes. However, you may be admitted to the hospital overnight for observation.
This operation requires general anesthesia since it involves opening up your abdomen. If the appendix ruptures during the procedure, then it is very unlikely to survive without immediate medical attention. This is why it is crucial to seek medical help right away if you suffer from appendicitis.
- Video Assisted Endoscopic Surgery (VALSA)
In VALSA, a camera attached to a flexible tube is inserted into the stomach to check whether there is any problem with your appendix. Then, a wire loop is inserted into the stomach via the endoscope. Next, the surgeon removes the appendix from the stomach through the stomach wall. After removing the appendix, the surgeon stitches up your abdomen to prevent infection.
This procedure is considered to be more effective in treating acute appendicitis and does not require general anesthesia. It is also a shorter operation since the whole procedure only takes about 20 minutes. However, it is not advised for people with high blood pressure and heart conditions.
How Do I Know Which Option Is Right For Me?
If you are going to undergo surgery, make sure to get enough sleep every night. Also, try to eat healthy and avoid fatty and spicy foods to avoid any potential complications. Make sure to keep up with your regular schedule even after recovering from the operation. And lastly, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
If you decide to go with the non-surgical methods, make sure to follow all instructions carefully. Avoid alcohol and medications, especially NSAIDs, until you are fully recovered.
