Postoperative diet for acute appendicitis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 11, 2024
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Causes of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is caused by both anatomical factors of the body and lifestyle dietary patterns. The appendix is a tube that is open at one end and closed at the other, communicating with the cecum. Due to its narrow and long nature, it is easy for fecal matter to block the appendix, leading to increased pressure within the tube, mucosal ischemia necrosis, and subsequently triggering inflammation. Additionally, irregular eating habits, such as binge eating, habitual drinking, and consumption of spicy food, can provoke inflammation of the appendix. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically. The laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used nowadays, which is a minimally invasive treatment that allows for a faster recovery and leaves smaller scars on the body surface.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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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.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
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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.