How is acute appendicitis treated?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 18, 2025
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Acute appendicitis treatment primarily involves surgical methods, where the inflamed, suppurative, or perforated appendix is excised during the procedure, and then the base of the appendix is sutured. Moreover, if there is suppuration, it is necessary to irrigate the peritoneal cavity to prevent intra-abdominal infections. After the surgery, fluid therapy should be administered based on the patient's condition. In cases of perforation or suppuration, antibiotics should be used post-operatively. For simple appendicitis, post-operative fluid replenishment is generally sufficient, and antibiotics are not required. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How is acute appendicitis treated?

Acute appendicitis treatment primarily involves surgical methods, where the inflamed, suppurative, or perforated appendix is excised during the procedure, and then the base of the appendix is sutured. Moreover, if there is suppuration, it is necessary to irrigate the peritoneal cavity to prevent intra-abdominal infections. After the surgery, fluid therapy should be administered based on the patient's condition. In cases of perforation or suppuration, antibiotics should be used post-operatively. For simple appendicitis, post-operative fluid replenishment is generally sufficient, and antibiotics are not required. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Anesthesia methods for acute appendicitis

The anesthesia method for acute appendicitis is related to the type of surgical treatment. If laparoscopic appendectomy is chosen, general anesthesia is usually required. If a traditional McBurney point incision is used for appendectomy, spinal anesthesia is primarily chosen. Additionally, after anesthesia, gastrointestinal function will be somewhat restricted. Until there is no gas or bowel movement from the rectum, patients should not eat after surgery. Only when the rectum starts to pass gas, indicating that gastrointestinal function is beginning to recover, can the patient begin to consume soft foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does acute appendicitis hurt?

Acute appendicitis is associated with abdominal pain, the severity of which is directly related to the extent of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, the abdominal pain can be tolerable. However, if there is significant pus in the appendix or perforation, it can cause severe abdominal pain, similar to being cut by a knife. Acute appendicitis generally requires surgical treatment. Currently, a common procedure is laparoscopic appendectomy, which causes less bleeding during surgery and allows for a quicker recovery with minimal damage to the body. For patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia can be used, and the appendix can be removed through an incision at McBurney's point.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does acute appendicitis cause vomiting?

Acute appendicitis can cause vomiting due to inflammation stimulating spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to vomiting, another typical symptom is abdominal pain, which starts around the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen, and it is more commonly fixed in the lower right abdomen. The inflammation entering the bloodstream also causes fever, generally not exceeding 38.5°C. If there is significant pus formation or appendix perforation, it can cause high fever. The treatment primarily involves surgical removal of the appendix, with laparoscopic appendix removal being commonly used nowadays. This surgical method has less bleeding during the operation and a faster recovery afterward.