Is appendicitis prone to recurrence?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 04, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How long after appendicitis can one have intercourse?

Regarding how long after appendectomy one can engage in sexual activities, it mainly depends on the treatment method used and the healing status after the surgery. Most cases of appendicitis can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, which not only cause less trauma and allow for quicker recovery but also reduce postoperative complications. The abdomen typically has two to three small puncture holes, each about one centimeter in length, and most patients can achieve sufficient strength to engage in sexual activities about a month after surgery. However, for traditional open surgery, the abdominal incision is usually longer, which may lead to incision infection and poor healing of the incision, and it generally takes about three months to achieve sufficient strength. For acute appendicitis, minimally invasive treatment is generally recommended, provided the patient's condition permits.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Will there be a scar from appendicitis surgery?

Appendectomy can leave scars, especially more noticeable in people prone to scarring. Currently, there is a minimally invasive treatment that involves the removal of the appendix under laparoscopy. This method only requires three small incisions on the abdomen, resulting in smaller scars and a faster postoperative recovery. The traditional method, which involves making an incision at McBurney's point, leaves a slightly larger scar and has a slower recovery process. After recovery, the application of aloe vera can help reduce scarring. It is important to take good care of the incision, eat plenty of vegetables to prevent constipation, and protect the incision. At least two weeks of rest is necessary after the surgery, during which vigorous exercise should be avoided.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Causes of appendicitis

The main causes of appendicitis are the narrowing of the appendix lumen and the subsequent blockage of the appendix lumen. Bacterial infection can directly cause acute inflammation. Additionally, poor dietary habits in daily life can also trigger appendicitis. These include overeating and binge drinking, engaging in strenuous exercise right after eating, consuming strong tea, coffee, or spirits, neglecting rest, and excessive fatigue. Therefore, for the prevention of appendicitis, it is mainly important to develop regular lifestyle and eating habits, with meals at fixed times and in measured amounts, and consuming more vegetables to ensure the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

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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.