How is acute appendicitis treated?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 27, 2024

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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

51sec

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Acute appendicitis nursing care

The nursing care for acute appendicitis includes preoperative care and postoperative care. Before surgery and on the day of surgery, fasting is required; the patient should not eat anything. At the same time, it is important to soothe the patient's emotions. If the pain is very severe, sedative analgesics can be used. After the surgery, dietary care should be intensified. On the first day after the surgery, a liquid diet should be administered. After bowel gas is passed, a normal diet can be resumed on the third to fourth day. It is important to monitor vital signs and the condition of the surgical incision to prevent infection. The patient can engage in activities out of bed 24 hours after surgery. Elderly patients should be assisted in expectoration to prevent dependent pneumonia.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

27sec

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Acute appendicitis complications

The main complications of acute appendicitis include: First, purulent peritonitis, due to the appendix becoming purulent and leading to perforation, pus flows into the abdominal cavity, causing diffuse peritonitis; Second, abdominal abscess, purulent appendicitis that is not treated surgically forms a capsule around the appendix, encapsulating it, and a lump can be felt on the abdominal surface; Third, internal-external fistula, if the abscess around the appendix is not drained in time, it can break through to the intestinal abdominal wall, forming a fistula.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

44sec

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Causes of Acute Appendicitis

The causes of acute appendicitis mainly include two types: one is the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, and the other is infection within the appendiceal lumen. The appendix is a tube that communicates with the cecum. If it is blocked by fecoliths or fecal masses, it can lead to increased pressure inside the appendiceal lumen, damage to the mucosa, and bacterial invasion causing infection, which directly leads to acute inflammation. At the same time, gastrointestinal dysfunction can also cause spasm of appendix muscles and blood vessels, leading to blood supply disturbances. Irregular lifestyle habits, overeating, and engaging in vigorous activities after meals can all trigger acute appendicitis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

44sec

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Which is more serious, acute appendicitis or chronic appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis is relatively common in clinical practice with severe symptoms. Compared to chronic appendicitis, acute appendicitis can cause the appendix tube to become purulent and perforate, leading to a widespread peritonitis. Severe peritonitis can cause multi-organ failure and even shock. Chronic appendicitis, on the other hand, mainly manifests as chronic abdominal pain and seldom shows signs of appendix perforation. It primarily leads to an abscess around the appendix, encapsulating the appendix and causing repetitive chronic pain, which is difficult to heal. Both acute and chronic appendicitis should be treated surgically by removing the appendix to achieve a complete cure.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

34sec

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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.