Symptoms of Appendicitis

Appendicitis surgery appendectomy or appendicectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. This is one of the commonest treatment methods of appendicitis and is a very simple operation. In cases of acute appendicitis, surgery appendectomy becomes extremely important to be performed. Sometimes, appendectomies need to be performed in an emergency situation, especially when the appendicitis diagnosis has been delayed and the appendix has burst and infected the internal digestive tract.

There are two methods of appendicitis surgeries. They are described as follows:-

Open appendicitis surgery appendectomy
Laparoscopic appendicitis surgery appendectomy.

Both these surgical procedures are quite popular, but they differ in their fundamental principles.

The open appendicitis surgery appendectomy is done by making a wide incision in the lower region of the abdomen. Only one cut is made. Then the appendix is identified from the viscera. Once done, the opened skin is stitched up again.

In the laparoscopic appendicitis surgery appendectomy, a narrow instrument known as the laparoscope is introduced into the abdominal tract. This laparoscope contains a guiding light at the front, and has attachment to a video screen. As the laparoscope is moved inside the abdomen, the video screen shows the images of the inside viscera. Also, at the same time, small incisions are made close to the place where the laparoscope is pushed in through. Through these small incisions, the surgeon can operate and control the elimination of the appendix.

Open appendicitis surgery appendectomy is cheaper than laparoscopy, and hence it is the treatment of choice for most people. But there are problems associated with it. After an open surgery appendectomy, the scar left behind is larger and it will definitely take a longer time to heal completely. Also, there is a greater chance of the scar being visible forever. But open appendicitis surgery appendectomy becomes inevitable if there is a complication of the appendectomy. In such cases, surgeons can open up the viscera more and clean up the abdominal area too.

Laparoscopy, on the other hand, needs just a few small incisions to be made. Since these incisions are small, they will heal much faster. In addition, there are much lesser chances of the scars remaining later on. Laparoscopy is ideal for pregnant women, since an open surgery appendectomy might prove to be dangerous for the fetus. However, laparoscopy is much costlier than traditional appendicitis surgery appendectomy.

Both surgical methods of appendectomy will need a running course of antibiotics. These are especially important if the appendicitis has lasted for more than five days. The purpose is to reduce the complications as much as possible through antibiotics, before the actual appendicitis surgery appendectomy can begin.

Quick Tip #1

Pain which starts in the area of the belly button and then slowly moves down to the lower right side of your abdomen is a classic symptom of Appendicitis. Make sure you are aware of these symptoms and contact your doctor if you have any reservations.

Quick Tip #2

If you are having these symptoms of abdominal pain for more than four hours, then you should seek an urgent medical evaluation at your doctors office immediately or you should go to your hospitals emergency department straight away