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Appendicitis
Does appendicitis surgery require an incision?
Appendicitis surgery can be performed through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive treatment. Open surgery involves a traditional incision at McBurney's point to remove the appendix, which is now rarely used, predominantly replaced by minimally invasive treatment under laparoscopy. The procedure is the same for both methods, involving ligation of the appendicular artery followed by cutting the appendix at its base and suturing the stump. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include less intraoperative bleeding, faster postoperative recovery, and less physical trauma. Patients can choose between open surgery or minimally invasive treatment based on their personal circumstances and financial conditions.
Can appendicitis be contagious?
Appendicitis is a nonspecific inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix. It is not contagious, therefore, it is not an infectious disease. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically because the main blood supply to the appendix is the appendicular artery, which can easily lead to ischemic necrosis during inflammation. If controlled solely by medication, symptoms are likely to recur easily. Currently, appendectomy is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques, under laparoscopy, which results in less bleeding during surgery and faster recovery afterward. Generally, if there is no suppuration or perforation, patients can be discharged three days after surgery. Postoperative care should be enhanced, including eating more vegetables to prevent constipation.
Can appendicitis cause a fever?
Appendicitis can cause fever, and generally, it is considered an inflammatory condition. Besides fever, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. Typically, the abdominal pain manifests as lower right quadrant pain, which is referred pain. If a patient has fever and typical lower right quadrant pain, further investigations like abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, and CT scans should be carried out. Diagnosing appendicitis is usually not difficult. The treatment of choice for appendicitis is generally surgical intervention, especially for early-stage patients with symptoms lasting less than three days, where an appendectomy is recommended. However, in some elderly patients with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, etc., who are not suitable for surgery, especially if the duration of the illness is more than three days, conservative medical treatment can be chosen. Conservative treatment primarily involves active anti-infection and anti-inflammatory measures and usually takes longer. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)
Is hot compress effective for appendicitis?
The effect of using heat therapy for appendicitis is relatively minor; it can be said that it does not have any significant effect. Appendicitis is caused by increased pressure in the lumen, ischemic necrosis of the mucous membrane, leading to inflammation. In most cases, this requires surgical removal of the appendix. Medication can only temporarily control the symptoms and it is prone to recurrence. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a common surgical method for treating appendicitis. It is a minimally invasive treatment, with less bleeding during surgery and quicker post-operative recovery. Post-operative care is also important, including regular dressing changes for the incision. Stitches can usually be removed after about a week. It is advised to drink more water and eat more vegetables to prevent constipation. Patients should rest for at least two weeks after surgery to fully recover.
Does acute appendicitis cause diarrhea?
Acute appendicitis rarely involves diarrhea. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain that begins around the navel or upper abdomen and gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain is persistent and localized. Additionally, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract may cause nausea or vomiting. If the appendix becomes suppurative or perforated, it can lead to tension in the abdominal muscles, tenderness, and rebound pain. Most cases of acute appendicitis require surgical removal, and currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a commonly used procedure.
acute appendicitis symptoms
The symptoms of acute appendicitis typically include abdominal pain at the onset of the condition, which initially occurs around the navel and then localizes to the lower right abdomen, as well as early nausea and vomiting caused by gastric spasms. Patients with more severe inflammation may also exhibit fever. If the inflammation spreads to the peritoneum, there will be tenderness at McBurney's point and rebound tenderness, along with tense abdominal muscles. Based on these symptoms, making a definitive diagnosis of acute appendicitis is not particularly difficult.
How is acute appendicitis treated?
The principle of treating acute appendicitis is to rehydrate and fight infection, complete related auxiliary examinations, and then carry out an emergency appendectomy. Acute appendicitis can be controlled by medication, but the effectiveness of medications is limited; most cases still require the removal of the appendix through surgery. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is an available option. This method is relatively more complex, but it allows for faster recovery and less trauma post-surgery, though it tends to be more expensive.
Typical symptoms of acute appendicitis
The typical symptoms of acute appendicitis include abdominal pain, which starts in the upper abdomen or around the navel and, after several hours, shifts and localizes to the lower right abdomen. Additionally, reflexive gastric spasms may cause nausea and vomiting. Due to the inflammation, the body may develop a fever, generally not exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. If the inflammation affects the parietal peritoneum, it can cause tenderness, rebound pain, and abdominal muscle rigidity. These are the typical symptoms, and a preliminary diagnosis can usually be made based on them. Most cases require an appendectomy.
The etiology of acute appendicitis
The main cause of acute appendicitis is due to the narrowing of the appendiceal lumen, which can easily lead to the obstruction of food residues and fecal masses. Following the obstruction, mucosal damage occurs, which leads to secondary infections. Additionally, neglecting regular living habits, such as overeating, excessive fatigue, and frequent heavy drinking can exacerbate or trigger acute appendicitis. Therefore, maintaining regular living habits in daily life, such as having meals at fixed times, reasonable rest and work schedules, balancing work and leisure, and engaging in appropriate outdoor activities, can play a positive role in preventing acute appendicitis.
The difference between chronic appendicitis and acute appendicitis
The difference between chronic appendicitis and acute appendicitis is that most cases of chronic appendicitis are formed after the treatment of acute appendicitis. Chronic appendicitis and acute appendicitis display different symptoms. Acute appendicitis has typical migratory pain in the lower right abdomen, which initially appears in the upper abdomen and then moves to McBurney's point in the lower right abdomen. Chronic appendicitis, on the other hand, often lacks upper abdominal pain and initially presents with fixed discomfort or vague pain in the lower right abdomen. Only when chronic appendicitis acutely flares up does significant tenderness in the lower right abdomen occur, and rebound pain appears with peritonitis. Chronic appendicitis may also occasionally present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.