Is hot compress effective for appendicitis?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on October 23, 2024
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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 Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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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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What to eat with appendicitis

During the acute phase of appendicitis, no food should be consumed. In the recovery or remission phase, a semi-liquid diet is appropriate, such as drinking rice soup, noodle soup, and vegetable soup, and consuming vegetables like Chinese cabbage and cabbage to supplement dietary fiber and vitamins. On the day of appendicitis surgery, eating is also prohibited. A semi-liquid diet is recommended for 1 to 2 days post-surgery, gradually transitioning to a normal diet over 3 to 5 days. After transitioning to a normal diet, foods like beef, lamb, and eggs can be consumed to supplement nutrients and promote wound healing.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.