A sudden inflammation or swelling of the appendix is called appendicitis. The appendix is a tube-like structure that branches off where the large intestine (colon) begins. It’s pencil-thin and normally about 10 cm (4 inches) in length.
For many years, scientists were unsure of the function of the appendix in the body. Now we know it helps make immunoglobulins – substances that are part of the immune system. Immunoglobulins are made in many parts of the body, thus removing the appendix does not seem to result in problems with the immune system.
Appendicitis is rarely fatal these days, due to the use of antibiotics and safer surgery procedures. The condition strikes men more than women. The incidence of appendicitis decreases with age and hardly ever affects young children or older adults. It occurs most commonly in people between 10 and 20 years of age.
Inflammation of the appendix is usually the result of blockage causing an infection. The appendix is open at one end where it connects to the large intestine. Appendicitis may occur when the appendix is blocked by hardened masses of feces or a foreign body in the intestine. This blockage can cause inflammation of the appendix directly and can encourage bacterial infection.
Blockage may also occur if lymph nodes in the appendix swell. Less common causes of blockage are vegetable and fruit seeds, or stomach worms.
In seniors, appendicitis is occasionally caused by a tumour (cancer) of the colon.
Surgery is considered the most effective treatment for acute appendicitis. The appendix is often removed (appendectomy) within hours of diagnosis, as delaying a surgery can be fatal, since an inflamed appendix can rupture at any time. Appendectomy is a fairly simple operation even if the appendix is already ruptured, where only minor changes to the procedure are made to reduce the risk of long-term peritonitis. Antibiotics will be given before surgery and may be continued after the operation in case bacteria enter the abdomen during the procedure.
The traditional method of conducting an appendectomy is referred to as an open appendectomy, where a surgeon makes a cut on the side of the abdomen and removes the appendix. Most surgeons utilize a less invasive form of appendectomy called a laparoscopic appendectomy, where the appendix is removed through a small tube with the guide of a video camera, leaving only a very tiny wound behind.
Depending on the type of procedure, some people can get out of bed the same day. In most cases, the incision will heal within a few days to a week. Treating appendicitis with antibiotics to delay surgery is another option that is usually only used for select groups of patients (e.g., those with localized and uncomplicated appendicitis).
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Appendicitis
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