Appendicitis

About Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, affecting roughly 1 in 13 to 1 in 14 people during their lifetime. It is the most common acute surgical condition of the abdomen. The disease occurs when the appendix lumen becomes obstructed by a fecalith, lymphoid hyperplasia, or rarely a tumor. Bacterial overgrowth in the obstructed appendix leads to inflammation, ischemia, and potentially perforation. Symptoms typically begin with vague periumbilical pain that migrates to the right lower quadrant over 12 to 24 hours. Associated symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and low grade fever. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination with localized tenderness at McBurney point, blood tests showing elevated white blood cells, and imaging CT scan or ultrasound. Treatment has traditionally been surgical appendectomy, usually laparoscopic. Trials have shown that many selected cases of uncomplicated appendicitis can be managed with antibiotics alone, although some later need surgery. A perforated appendix causes peritonitis and requires emergency surgery. Abdominal pain that suddenly worsens or spreads across the abdomen, especially with fever, can indicate a burst appendix and is a medical emergency; call your local emergency number.