Appendicitis location

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on January 14, 2025
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The location of appendicitis is generally in the lower right abdomen, as the appendix is mostly located in the right iliac fossa. There are very few cases of situs inversus, where it is located on the left, but the appendix usually originates from the base of the cecum, attached to the posterior wall of the cecum, at the confluence of the three taeniae coli. Therefore, the surface projection of the appendix is mostly at the junction of the outer one-third of the line connecting the navel and the right anterior superior iliac spine, which is also commonly used as the marking point for surgical incisions. In cases of appendicitis, there may be pain in the upper right abdomen or pelvic region due to changes in the position of the appendix. For confirmed diagnoses of appendicitis, surgery is generally considered, and minimally invasive methods can be chosen. If an abscess forms around the appendix and the patient's condition can be managed, conservative treatment is usually preferred initially, followed by elective removal of the appendix after three months.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How long does acute appendicitis hurt?

The pain associated with appendicitis is directly related to the severity of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, pain can be significantly relieved after using antispasmodic analgesics. However, if acute appendicitis leads to a suppurative appendix or perforation, the abdominal pain will last for a very long time, accompanied by signs of peritoneal irritation, such as tenderness and rebound pain in the abdomen. Therefore, the main principle of treating acute appendicitis is to perform surgery to remove the suppurative appendix. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a viable option, as it involves less bleeding and allows for a faster postoperative recovery.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
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Which department should I go to for chronic appendicitis?

Chronic appendicitis results from the treatment of acute appendicitis, forming a chronic inflammation around the appendix. Clinically, it mainly manifests as recurrent pain or dull pain in the right upper abdomen, with either fecalith obstruction in the appendix cavity or adhesion of the appendix cavity. When chronic appendicitis has an acute flare-up, it is recommended to actively pursue surgical treatment. Therefore, when chronic appendicitis occurs, it is advised to consult general surgery, or gastroenterological surgery if the hospital has specialized departments.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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Can appendicitis cause a fever?

Appendicitis can cause fever. After the fever, a routine blood test will show a significant increase in white blood cells, which is often referred to as an elevated blood profile. In addition to fever, appendicitis may also cause vomiting and nausea. A typical symptom is abdominal pain, starting around the navel and then gradually moving to the lower right abdomen. For the fever, active symptomatic fever reduction should be pursued, or appendectomy can be chosen. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is more common, with less bleeding during the operation and faster post-operative recovery.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis recur?

Acute appendicitis, if not treated surgically, can relapse under poor lifestyle and dietary habits and then transform into chronic appendicitis. Therefore, appendicitis can recur. However, if the appendix is removed during an acute episode of appendicitis, then appendicitis will not recur. Currently, the primary clinical treatment for appendicitis is surgery, because without surgery, the recurrence rate of appendicitis is quite high, and ultimately, the appendix must be removed.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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Where does acute appendicitis hurt?

Acute appendicitis primarily causes abdominal pain, initially in the upper middle abdomen or around the navel, gradually localizing to the lower right abdomen; if the inflammation is severe, the nature of the pain can be very intense, like a knife cut; the inflammation may also affect the peritoneum, causing tenderness, rebound pain, and muscle tension in the abdomen; in addition to abdominal pain, acute appendicitis may also lead to nausea and vomiting. For a confirmed diagnosis of acute appendicitis, surgery is generally required, with laparoscopic appendectomy as the main treatment nowadays. This surgical method involves less bleeding during the operation and a quicker recovery postoperatively.