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Appendicitis
Laparoscopic appendectomy
Laparoscopic appendectomy is a type of minimally invasive surgery performed under general anesthesia using laparoscopic techniques to remove the appendix. During the operation, there is minimal bleeding, and recovery tends to be quicker, with less damage to the body. The scars left are small, consisting of three barely noticeable incisions. Typically, patients need to stay in the hospital for three to five days before they can be discharged. On the day of the surgery, patients are required to fast, and one to two days post-surgery, they may choose a semi-liquid diet and can start moving around. However, laparoscopic surgery is not suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate general anesthesia; instead, they must opt for an appendectomy through an incision at McBurney's point.
Acute appendicitis pressure point
Acute appendicitis is primarily diagnosed by pressing on McBurney's point in the lower right abdomen, as the appendix is located in the right iliac fossa in the vast majority of patients, and its surface projection is mainly at the outer third of the line connecting the umbilicus and the anterior superior iliac spine. However, a very small number of people may experience situs inversus, where the appendix could possibly be located in the lower left abdomen. Tenderness at a fixed point in the lower right abdomen is often a specific diagnostic criterion for acute appendicitis in clinical practice. If most patients exhibit symptoms of peritoneal irritation, it indicates worsening appendicitis symptoms, possibly even gangrene perforation. Most patients who experience a course lasting more than 3-5 days can develop a mass in the lower right abdomen, indicating the formation of a periappendiceal abscess. In cases where the symptoms are manageable, conservative treatment strategies can be adopted. Traditional Chinese Medicine methods can be used to promote the absorption of inflammation, with an appendectomy scheduled three months later.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
The symptoms of appendicitis include migratory pain to the lower right abdomen, with some patients directly experiencing pain in the lower right abdomen. This is because the appendix is located in the ileocecal area of the lower right abdomen, and the appendix cavity is connected to the cecum. When the appendix becomes inflamed, it manifests as pain in the lower right abdomen or migratory pain in the lower right abdomen. The inflammation of appendicitis is generally caused by a blockage in the appendix cavity due to a fecalith, limiting secretion, and bacterial growth within the appendix cavity. Therefore, it is generally recommended to start anti-inflammatory treatment for appendicitis as soon as possible. If the inflammation is severe, surgery should be performed as soon as possible to remove the appendix and completely cure the inflammation. The symptoms of appendicitis also appear as migratory pain in the lower right abdomen. A few patients may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If the appendix perforates, symptoms include pain across the abdomen, tenderness, and abdominal muscle rigidity indicative of peritonitis.
Is acute appendicitis serious?
Acute appendicitis is quite serious; it can cause severe abdominal pain, similar to knife cuts, vomiting, and a fever throughout the body. If not treated promptly, it can lead to appendiceal suppuration or even perforation. The pus leaking into the abdominal cavity can cause acute peritonitis, and further absorption of the inflammation into the bloodstream can result in multi-organ failure and potentially shock. Therefore, acute appendicitis should be treated actively. Currently, appendectomy is the primary treatment, mainly performed under laparoscopy. For patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, an appendectomy can be performed under spinal anesthesia through McBurney's point.
Appendicitis CT manifestations
Appendicitis on a CT scan presents with thickening of the appendix at the ileocecal area, pericecal fluid, high-density shadows in the appendiceal lumen and at its base, and an appendicolith. Clinical manifestations of appendicitis include referred pain in the lower right abdomen, and the examination and form of abdominal pain are important bases for diagnosing appendicitis. Combined with routine blood tests showing high levels of white blood cells and neutrophils, this indicates an inflammatory infection. Diagnosis of appendicitis can be confirmed with an abdominal CT or an ultrasound of the appendix area. Appendicitis is categorized as either acute uncomplicated appendicitis or acute gangrenous appendicitis. Acute uncomplicated appendicitis typically has good treatment outcomes and quick recovery; in contrast, conservative treatment for gangrenous appendicitis is generally less effective, necessitating surgical intervention.
Acute appendicitis surgery is where?
Acute appendicitis primarily involves the removal of the appendix, which is also the main purpose of surgical treatment. The traditional appendectomy through McBurney's point incision involves anesthesia at the waist area, making an incision at McBurney's point, ligating the appendiceal artery, removing the appendix from its base, and then suturing the end with a purse-string stitch. In laparoscopic appendectomy, performed under general anesthesia, the appendiceal artery is also ligated and the appendix removed, followed by suturing the end. Postoperative care should be enhanced to avoid excessive exertion.
The difference between acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis
Acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis are quite different. Acute appendicitis develops suddenly with clear symptoms of fever and vomiting, and the pain in the lower right abdomen is relatively severe. Chronic appendicitis, on the other hand, often develops as a result of prolonged acute appendicitis. The abdominal pain is not typically characteristic, generally with few instances of fever or vomiting, but it can include persistent abdominal pain. Chronic appendicitis can lead to the formation of an abscess around the appendix, and a lump can be felt in the lower right abdomen. Acute appendicitis generally requires prompt surgical treatment to prevent its transition into chronic appendicitis.
Does appendicitis surgery leave scars?
Appendectomy surgery leaves scars due to cutting the skin on the body surface, and then the scars heal. Currently, there is a minimally invasive treatment available; it involves using laparoscopic technology to remove the appendix. This requires making three small incisions on the body surface, resulting in smaller scars, and postoperative recovery is relatively quick. Those who have cosmetic concerns may choose this method. Additionally, postoperative care should be enhanced, including regular dressing changes for the incision. Generally, stitches can be removed a week after the surgery. Attention should be paid to dietary adjustments, such as consuming more vegetables to prevent constipation. Once gastrointestinal function has returned, nutritional intake should be increased by eating more meats and eggs to strengthen the body and promote recovery.
Does appendicitis cause diarrhea?
Patients with appendicitis may experience diarrhea and abdominal pain, tenderness, and rebound pain due to spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by vomiting and nausea. Those with severe systemic infections may also have a fever. Currently, appendicitis is primarily treated surgically, with options including the traditional McBurney's incision or laparoscopic appendectomy. In cases of appendiceal suppuration, postoperative antibiotic treatment against infection should be selected, using anti-anaerobic agents, and attention must be paid to postoperative diet, focusing on soft, easily digestible foods.
What can you eat with acute appendicitis?
During an acute appendicitis attack, you must not eat or drink anything, and it's important to choose surgical treatment actively. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This method leads to less bleeding during surgery and quicker recovery afterward. In the postoperative recovery period, you can gradually eat some liquid foods such as rice soup, vegetable soup, and egg custard. Normal diet can be resumed after three days post-surgery, and eating nutritionally rich foods can help speed up recovery and improve physical condition. Regular care is required for the surgical incision, and stitches can generally be removed about a week later.