Appendicitis is the only time we pay attention to this seemingly insignificant organ. Does everyone with appendicitis have to have their appendix taken out? This is a topic that has been hotly debated in the medical community.
The appendix is an elongated, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestinal tract. It is located on the lower right side. The appendix has been considered a vestigial, non-functional organ by doctors for many years. Recent studies have shown the appendix can play a modest part in immune function. This is especially true in early life. Some researchers believe the appendix can store beneficial intestinal bacteria that will repopulate your digestive system after illness such as diarrhea. The appendix’s function is not essential for survival. Many people lead normal lives even after their appendix has been removed.
Appendicitis usually occurs when there is a blockage, usually due to stool or foreign objects. It can also be caused by swelling of the lymphatic tissue in the area during an infection. The bacteria multiply in the appendix causing swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Symptoms include sharp pain in the umbilicus area, which moves down to the lower right abdomen. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, loss in appetite, fever and abdominal tenderness.
Untreated, an inflamed or ruptured appendix can leak infected material in the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis can develop at this stage, requiring immediate medical attention, more intensive treatment and sometimes drainage, antibiotics and surgery.
Since the turn of the century, the standard treatment for an inflamed apex has been surgical removal. Appendectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia to ensure that the patient feels no pain. Surgery is not the only option. Some studies have shown that appendicitis cases that have not ruptured, or that have not developed an abscess, can be treated with antibiotics. There is a chance of recurrence. Some people may initially respond well to antibiotics, but then experience symptoms that recur. They may need surgery.
Surgery is usually a simple procedure. In a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon uses a camera and several small incisions to guide the instruments. You may need more intensive surgery if the appendix ruptured or if there is a large infection.
The recovery depends on whether or not the appendix ruptured. For simple cases:
Most patients are discharged in 24 hours.
- Return to normal activity within one to three week
- Pain is typically mild and can be effectively treated with over-the counter or prescription medications
Appendicitis complicated (when the appendix ruptures).
- Hospitalization may last for several days
Recovery can take up to four weeks.
Intravenous antibiotics may be required
Not everyone requires an appendix removal. Most people won’t have any problems in their lifetime. Even for people with appendicitis, surgery may not always be necessary–especially if doctors catch the condition early and it’s an uncomplicated case.
Appendectomy is the only way to be sure that the risk of a recurrence will not occur. It is also the best option for more serious cases, or when there are signs that the appendix could rupture.
Appendicitis can be a common condition, but the treatment is not always straightforward. The latest advances in diagnostics, antibiotic therapy, and imaging have given patients more options, although surgery is still the best option in many cases.
