Appendicitis is the most common type of acute stomach pain and can occur in people of all ages, sexes, and is found in over 7% of the population. In this condition, the appendix, a small tube protruding from the large intestine, becomes inflamed. There is no clear indication what the function of the appendix is, however the body is able to function as normal without it.
Symptoms of appendicitis will include: Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign. Furthermore, there may be loss of appetite, nausea
and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins, abdominal swelling, fever,and an inability to pass gas.
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, often by stool, a foreign body, or cancer. Blockage may also occur from infection, since the appendix swells in response to any infection in the body.
The indication for appendicitis includes: stomach pain that lasts up to 6 hours and is focused on the right side of the abdomen. If you are concerned that you may have appendicitis it is important to seek medical attention quickly, as
if it is left untreated it may lead to infection and further complications.
Once appendicitis is diagnosed, the primary treatment method is surgery along with antibiotic medication. Laparoscopic Appendectomy is effective in treatment of appendicitis and involves 1-3 small incisions. Patients can
expect to return home within 1-2 days with minimal complications compared to traditional surgery.