Everything You Need to Know about Appendicitis

Appendicitis is characterised by severe abdominal discomfort in the lower right side of the abdomen. Pain, on the other hand, usually begins around the navel and subsequently spreads throughout the body.

In this article, Dr Samrat Jankar, one of the best laparoscopic surgeons in Pune shares his expertise on “What is Appendicitis & how to treat the disease?”.

Dr Samrat Jankar, a well-known gastroenterologist in Pune who has relentlessly worked hard to gain in-depth knowledge in his specialization. He is an expert in gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal surgery, bariatric surgery, HPB surgery, proctology, and laparoscopic surgeries.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

The following are examples of signs and symptoms of appendicitis:

• Pain that originates on the right side of the lower abdomen and spreads to the left side
• The discomfort usually begins at your navel and moves down to your lower right abdomen within a short period of time.
• You may have discomfort that becomes worse if you cough, walk, or make any other jarring movements.
• Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.
• Appetite sluggishness
• A low-grade fever that may develop as the disease continues is common in this situation.
• Constipation or diarrhoea are two different things.
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Flatulence

In some cases, the location of your pain can vary based on your age and the position of your appendix in your abdomen. 

When you are pregnant, the discomfort may appear to originate in your upper abdomen because your appendix is elevated during this time of your life.

Causes of Appendicitis

According to Dr Samrat Jankar, one of the leading Laparoscopic surgeons from Pune, The most common cause of appendicitis is a blockage in the lining of the appendix, which results in infection and inflammation.

Inflammation, swelling, and pus formation in the appendix are caused by the bacteria multiplying fast. If the appendix is not treated immediately, it has the potential to rupture.

Complications

Appendicitis can result in major problems such as the following

 An appendix that has ruptured. The infection spreads throughout your abdomen as a result of a rupture (peritonitis). 

This illness, which is potentially life-threatening, necessitates emergency surgery to remove the appendix and clean out your abdominal cavity.

An abdominal pus pocket that arises as a result of an infection. It is possible to acquire a pocket of infection if your appendix explodes (abscess). 

The majority of the time, a surgeon will drain the abscess by inserting a tube through your abdominal wall and into the abscess. The tube remains in place for around two weeks, and you are given antibiotics to help clear up the infection during that time period, notes Dr Samrat Jankar, a premium Laparoscopic surgeon who hails from Pune.

Treatment

Appendicitis is usually treated with surgery, which involves the removal of the inflamed appendix. Antibiotics may be administered to you before surgery in order to treat the infection.

The appendix is removed during surgery (appendectomy)

A single abdominal incision measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimetres) in length can be used for an appendectomy when conducted as open surgery (laparotomy). 

Alternatively, a few minor abdominal incisions can be used to perform the procedure (laparoscopic surgery).

During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon enters your abdomen through a small incision and inserts sophisticated surgical equipment and a video camera to remove your appendix.

In general, laparoscopic surgery allows you to heal more quickly and with less pain and scarring than traditional surgery. It may be more beneficial for older folks and people who are overweight.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery. If your appendix has ruptured and the infection has gone beyond the appendix, or if you have an abscess, you may require an open appendectomy, which allows your surgeon to clean the abdominal cavity while you recover from your surgery.

After your appendectomy, you should expect to be in the hospital for one or two days.

Performing abscess drainage prior to appendix surgery

Once an abscess has formed around your appendix, it may be possible to drain it by inserting a tube through your skin and into the abscess. 

This procedure is known as percutaneous appendectomy. After the infection has been controlled, the appendectomy can be performed several weeks later.

 And, that’s all for today! Make sure to share this article with your needy friends if you find it helpful. Take care; celebrate life.