Appendicitis is a condition that is caused by the inflammation of your appendix. In all cases of an inflamed appendix, you need a surgeon to perform either laparotomy or laparoscopy surgery to remove the inflamed appendix. If the inflamed appendix is left untreated, it could become fatal.

The inflammation is caused by an obstruction of the appendix lumen (the opening from your appendix to your intestine). Once this occurs, the appendix fills up with mucus, causing severe pressure & pain. Bacteria may leaks out through the walls of the appendix, puss may start to form, then the appendix will finally rupture, causing septicemia & possible death.

How is Appendicitis diagnosed?

There are two forms of appendicitis; Typical & Atypical.

A diagnosis of typical appendicitis includes a feeling of pain in the lower right side of the abdomen that can move to the mid-gut. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a fever can accompany this pain. You may feel very sensitive to pressure and touch.

A diagnosis of atypical appendicitis also includes a feeling of acute pain that is localized to the lower right side of the abdomen. You may feel sensitive to pressure and touch, and have a continual feeling of needing to have a bowel movement.

Normally, a CT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis or an Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound is used to diagnose appendicitis. If you are a woman, the attending doctor may also give you a pregnancy test to rule out if you have an ectopic pregnancy, due to both conditions having similar symptoms.

How is Appendicitis treated?

After a person has been diagnosed with appendicitis, the person will be prepped for surgery. The surgical procedure for removal of appendix is known as Appendectomy. This form of surgery can be performed laparoscopically, or if the appendix has ruptured, then through an open laparotomy incision.