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Appendicitis
Is appendicitis prone to recurrence?
For acute appendicitis, if the appendix is not removed surgically, it is relatively prone to recurrence, and chronic appendicitis may also develop. Therefore, once appendicitis is diagnosed, surgery to remove the appendix is generally required. The more commonly used surgical method is laparoscopic appendectomy. This method involves less bleeding during the surgery and quicker postoperative recovery, with minimal damage to the body. Only small scars can be seen on the body surface, making it a preferable option for those concerned about aesthetics.
Which location does appendicitis hurt?
The typical symptom of appendicitis is pain in the lower right abdomen. Generally, during acute appendicitis, the pain can last for several hours or even longer, with about 70% to 80% of patients experiencing characteristic migratory pain in the lower right abdomen. Migratory pain in the lower right abdomen refers to initial pain in the upper abdomen that later manifests as persistent pain in the lower right abdomen. However, some patients initially present with pain in the lower right abdomen directly. In some cases of pregnant women with acute appendicitis, due to the appendix being pushed upward by the enlarged uterus, pain can also occur in the upper right abdomen. Additionally, acute appendicitis is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Does appendicitis hurt?
Appendicitis is generally divided into chronic and acute appendicitis. Both chronic and acute appendicitis can cause pain, which is usually severe. In cases of acute appendicitis, if the pain subsides after a while, it is actually more dangerous. It may indicate complications such as intestinal perforation or intestinal necrosis, leading to gradually diminishing pain. In such cases, timely surgical removal is necessary; otherwise, if local ulceration occurs, it can potentially affect the entire intestine. Thus, appendicitis generally causes pain, especially during the chronic phase. The pain is quite noticeable and, although generally bearable, can directly impact the quality of life.
Postoperative diet for acute appendicitis
Postoperative diet for acute appendicitis should be taken with special attention. On the day of the surgery, no food should be consumed. After waiting for anal gas to pass, which typically occurs on the first day post-surgery, a semi-liquid diet can be chosen, consisting of easily digestible foods such as rice porridge, millet congee, and vegetable soup. From the third to the fifth day post-surgery, a normal diet can be resumed, including eating eggs and meat to supplement proteins and dietary fibers, which help the incision heal. Vegetables and fruits should also be consumed to prevent constipation. Additionally, proper care should be taken of the incision site, including regular dressing changes.
Can appendicitis cause vomiting?
Some patients with appendicitis may experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This is because the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen near the ileocecal area, and the appendix cavity is connected to the cecum. The appendix is an independent organ of the human digestive tract. When inflamed, the inflammation can easily irritate the surrounding intestines, causing intestinal spasms and contractions, leading to nausea and vomiting. A typical manifestation of appendicitis is referred pain in the lower right abdomen. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is advisable to promptly start anti-inflammatory treatment and, if necessary, proceed with surgical treatment. Appendicitis can range from acute simple appendicitis, which responds well to conservative anti-inflammatory treatment, to acute suppurative or even perforated appendicitis. In these severe cases, it is recommended to perform surgery as soon as possible to remove the appendix and clear the inflammatory secretions, alongside anti-inflammatory treatment.
Is there a scar from appendicitis surgery?
Appendectomy involves cutting into the skin, so scars remain on the body after healing. The traditional surgery method through McBurney's point leaves a larger scar, whereas the current laparoscopic treatment, which involves removing the appendix through laparoscopy, only leaves three small incisions on the body and results in smaller scars. Recovery is also faster, making this minimally invasive treatment a preferable option for those who are highly concerned about aesthetics. Additionally, postoperative care is crucial; eating is not allowed on the day of the surgery, a semi-liquid diet is recommended for the first 1-2 days post-operation, and a normal diet can be resumed after 3-4 days.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an acute inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix. The primary symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, and rebound pain. Migratory right lower abdominal pain is a common indicator used for diagnosing appendicitis. Additionally, appendicitis located posterior to the peritoneum may also present with radiating pain in the lower back. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, surgical treatment is required, except for elderly or frail individuals who cannot tolerate surgery and may opt for conservative treatment. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a commonly used surgical method, as it involves less bleeding during surgery and faster recovery afterwards. Postoperative care should be emphasized, with adjustments in diet, and an increased intake of vegetables to prevent constipation.
Is appendicitis prone to recurrence?
Appendicitis, if treated by surgically removing the appendix, generally does not recur and can be cured. However, if one only uses medication to control the symptoms during an attack of appendicitis, it can easily recur. For appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy is currently the preferred surgical treatment. This method involves less bleeding during surgery and quicker recovery post-surgery. For elderly or frail patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, the traditional surgical method involving an incision at McBurney's point can be chosen. With this method, it is important to rest more. Patients can usually be discharged about a week after surgery. Postoperative care should be strengthened, dietary adjustments should be made, and more vegetables should be eaten to prevent constipation.
What should I do about acute appendicitis?
Once acute appendicitis is diagnosed and surgical contraindications are ruled out, appendectomy is usually performed. Currently, the most common method is laparoscopic appendectomy, which results in less intraoperative bleeding and quicker postoperative recovery. After the surgery, depending on the severity of the appendicitis, the use of antibiotics may be considered. Additionally, fasting is required on the day of the surgery, and a semi-liquid diet may be chosen for the first one or two days post-surgery. Three to four days after the surgery, foods like egg custard, vegetable soup, and rice can be eaten, before gradually transitioning back to a normal diet.
Early symptoms of appendicitis
What are the initial symptoms of appendicitis? It is characterized by abdominal pain. The main symptom is abdominal pain that appears around the upper abdomen or navel, and some patients may also experience nausea and vomiting. Generally, two to three hours later, the abdominal pain gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen, which we clinically refer to as migratory right lower abdominal pain. This symptom accounts for about 80% of clinical cases, while some patients present directly with pain in the lower right abdomen, without transitional abdominal pain. Therefore, the primary symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain, as described in these two scenarios. However, physical examination is also very important, typically revealing localized fixed tenderness in the lower right abdomen as the main clinical manifestation.