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Appendicitis
Does appendicitis surgery leave a scar?
Appendectomy requires surgery, so there will be scars afterward. The scars from minimally invasive surgery are relatively small, with only three incisions on the skin surface, and possibly leaving a suture line post-recovery. In contrast, the traditional surgical approach through McBurney's point results in a larger incision and consequently, a larger scar. It is recommended to use scar removal creams during the postoperative recovery period, as they can be somewhat effective. Additionally, it is important to rest after surgery, with at least two weeks of rest recommended, and to increase protein intake to aid in wound healing.
Acute appendicitis nursing issues
Patients with acute appendicitis should pay attention to diet control during the shivering phase and should refrain from eating or drinking during the attack phase and preoperative preparations. For those with noticeable abdominal pain, a semi-recumbent position should be adopted to reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain. After surgery, it is crucial to closely monitor vital signs, measuring respiration, blood pressure, pulse, etc. On the first day post-surgery, a semi-liquid diet may be chosen, and a normal diet can be resumed on days 3 to 4 post-surgery. It is important to ensure rest, and heavy physical labor should be avoided within two weeks after the surgery.
Where to apply moxibustion for appendicitis
Generally, when considering moxibustion for appendicitis, the most painful area is the lower right abdomen. This is only an auxiliary treatment. It is recommended to visit a general surgery department to complete relevant examinations, such as an ultrasound, and check the complete blood count. Afterwards, treatment can be conducted based on the results. Initially, conservative treatment is tried, such as taking anti-inflammatory drugs, like cephalosporins, then rest is advised, along with attention to diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating, cold, and hard foods, adjusting the mindset, and regular follow-up checks. If the effect is not satisfactory, surgical intervention may be necessary, and medications should be taken on time post-surgery.
Does acute appendicitis hurt?
Acute appendicitis is associated with abdominal pain, the severity of which is directly related to the extent of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, the abdominal pain can be tolerable. However, if there is significant pus in the appendix or perforation, it can cause severe abdominal pain, similar to being cut by a knife. Acute appendicitis generally requires surgical treatment. Currently, a common procedure is laparoscopic appendectomy, which causes less bleeding during surgery and allows for a quicker recovery with minimal damage to the body. For patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia can be used, and the appendix can be removed through an incision at McBurney's point.
Is appendicitis nauseating?
Appendicitis can cause nausea, primarily due to inflammation stimulating spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to nausea, symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, tenderness in the abdomen, and rebound pain. If vomiting and nausea are severe, timely appendectomy should be performed. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is common. This surgical method involves less bleeding during surgery and quicker postoperative recovery. After surgery, a semi-liquid diet can be chosen on days 1 to 2, and a normal diet can be resumed on days 3 to 5. It is also important to consume more vegetables and increase the intake of plant-based fiber thereafter.
How is acute appendicitis treated?
Acute appendicitis treatment primarily involves surgical methods, where the inflamed, suppurative, or perforated appendix is excised during the procedure, and then the base of the appendix is sutured. Moreover, if there is suppuration, it is necessary to irrigate the peritoneal cavity to prevent intra-abdominal infections. After the surgery, fluid therapy should be administered based on the patient's condition. In cases of perforation or suppuration, antibiotics should be used post-operatively. For simple appendicitis, post-operative fluid replenishment is generally sufficient, and antibiotics are not required. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)
Acute appendicitis clinical classification
Acute appendicitis can be classified into four types based on the clinical course. The first type is acute simple appendicitis, where the lesions are mostly confined to the mucosa and submucosal layer, with small ulcers and bleeding spots on the mucosal surface. The symptoms and signs are relatively mild. The second type is acute suppurative appendicitis, where the lesion has spread through all the layers of the appendix wall, and pus may accumulate inside, also known as acute cellulitis appendicitis. The third type is gangrenous and perforated appendicitis, which occurs due to pus in the appendix cavity causing increased internal pressure and circulatory disturbances in the appendix wall, leading to mucosal ischemic necrosis and perforation, causing acute diffuse peritonitis. The fourth type is peri-appendiceal abscess, which forms an inflammatory mass encapsulated by the surrounding omentum during suppuration or perforation of acute appendicitis.
Acute appendicitis pain is on that side.
In the initial stages of acute appendicitis, pain can occur in the left side of the abdomen, then gradually move around the navel, and eventually becomes fixed in the lower right abdomen. The typical symptom of appendicitis is migratory pain in the lower right abdomen, which becomes severe upon pressing and intensifies when lifted, a phenomenon known as rebound tenderness. A small number of patients may experience pain in the lumbar and back areas, which could be due to inflammation caused by a retroperitoneal position. Based on the typical symptoms of appendicitis, a diagnosis cannot be confirmed. After confirmation, most cases require an appendectomy.
Can appendicitis cause back pain?
Appendicitis located posterior to the peritoneum generally causes back pain, along with gastrointestinal irritation symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Appendicitis at the cecum location will cause pain in the lower right abdomen, with significant tenderness and rebound pain at McBurney's point. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is most often treated surgically. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This method involves less bleeding during surgery and a faster recovery thereafter. Postoperative care is important, including regular dressing changes of the surgical incision. The stitches can usually be removed about a week after surgery. Dietary adjustments are necessary after surgery, starting with a semi-liquid diet and gradually transitioning to a normal diet. At least two weeks of rest are recommended postoperatively.
Is chronic appendicitis serious?
Chronic appendicitis can achieve good treatment outcomes through active surgical treatment or conservative treatment, and the cases of appendicitis here are not severe. However, a very small portion of patients with chronic appendicitis, especially those with underlying diseases such as diabetes, are at risk of developing a purulent infection of the appendix, which can lead to perforation of the appendix and result in diffuse peritonitis, sepsis, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. Thus, it can be said that there are indeed a few severe cases among patients with chronic appendicitis.