Does acute appendicitis cause diarrhea?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

Updated on October 23, 2024

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Acute appendicitis rarely involves diarrhea. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain that begins around the navel or upper abdomen and gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain is persistent and localized. Additionally, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract may cause nausea or vomiting. If the appendix becomes suppurative or perforated, it can lead to tension in the abdominal muscles, tenderness, and rebound pain. Most cases of acute appendicitis require surgical removal, and currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a commonly used procedure.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

55sec

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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

52sec

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Can appendicitis cause back pain?

Appendicitis located posterior to the peritoneum generally causes back pain, along with gastrointestinal irritation symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Appendicitis at the cecum location will cause pain in the lower right abdomen, with significant tenderness and rebound pain at McBurney's point. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is most often treated surgically. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This method involves less bleeding during surgery and a faster recovery thereafter. Postoperative care is important, including regular dressing changes of the surgical incision. The stitches can usually be removed about a week after surgery. Dietary adjustments are necessary after surgery, starting with a semi-liquid diet and gradually transitioning to a normal diet. At least two weeks of rest are recommended postoperatively.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

47sec

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Where does appendicitis hurt?

In general clinical practice, the pain associated with appendicitis mostly occurs in the lower right abdomen. Some patients experience very typical migratory right lower abdominal pain which usually starts in the upper abdomen, gradually moves around the navel, and finally localizes in the lower right abdomen. Direct pain in the lower right abdomen could also be indicative of appendicitis. In rare cases, if there is a reversal of organs or an abnormal position of the appendix, pain may occur in the upper right abdomen or lower abdomen as well. For pregnant women, the appendix may be positioned higher and could cause pain under the rib cage. Therefore, the diagnosis of appendicitis should be based on the specific condition of the patient and related diagnostic tests.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

1min 4sec

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Appendicitis location

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

47sec

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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.