Appendicitis McBurney's point location

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 04, 2025
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McBurney's point is a point of tenderness on the body surface during an episode of appendicitis, located on the right side of the abdomen, specifically at the outer third of the line connecting the navel to the right anterior superior iliac spine. If the appendix is significantly swollen or suppurative, there will be intense tenderness and rebound pain at McBurney's point. The tenderness and rebound pain at McBurney's point are also important physical examination signs for the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis. Based on the tenderness at McBurney's point, a preliminary diagnosis of appendicitis can be made, and then, the state of appendiceal swelling can be examined by abdominal ultrasound to choose a systematic treatment based on the results.

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Gastroenterology
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Postoperative diet for acute appendicitis

Postoperative diet for acute appendicitis should be taken with special attention. On the day of the surgery, no food should be consumed. After waiting for anal gas to pass, which typically occurs on the first day post-surgery, a semi-liquid diet can be chosen, consisting of easily digestible foods such as rice porridge, millet congee, and vegetable soup. From the third to the fifth day post-surgery, a normal diet can be resumed, including eating eggs and meat to supplement proteins and dietary fibers, which help the incision heal. Vegetables and fruits should also be consumed to prevent constipation. Additionally, proper care should be taken of the incision site, including regular dressing changes.

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How many days of hospitalization are required for appendicitis surgery?

After appendectomy surgery, patients generally need to stay in the hospital for observation for three to five days. If there is no suppuration or infection at the wound, patients can choose to be discharged according to their own wishes. However, if the initial symptoms of appendicitis are severe, or if there is suppuration or perforation, it is advisable to stay in the hospital for additional observation until the abdominal pain subsides before considering discharge. Additionally, elderly individuals or children who are physically weaker should also stay in the hospital for longer observation, as this can aid in recovery.

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How to relieve appendicitis pain

Pain relief for appendicitis can be achieved using medications, such as antispasmodics and sedatives. If medication control is ineffective, surgery to remove the appendix should be considered, as this can address the root cause of abdominal pain. Moreover, for acute appendicitis, surgical treatment is relatively definitive. While medications can manage symptoms temporarily, appendicitis often recurs after some time. Laparoscopic appendix removal is an option that causes less harm to the patient and typically allows for a quicker postoperative recovery.

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Gastroenterology
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What can you eat with appendicitis?

The diet for appendicitis should be based on the needs of the condition, determining what can or cannot be eaten based on the response of the gastrointestinal tract. During the acute inflammatory phase, fasting is necessary, and hydration and electrolytes should be replenished through intravenous fluids. If the inflammation is severe, immediate surgical treatment should be undertaken. For chronic appendicitis, soft and easily digestible foods can be consumed, and proactive anti-inflammatory or surgical treatments should be pursued. Post-surgery, it is important to rest in bed and use anti-infection medications timely to prevent infections.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Acute appendicitis clinical classification

Acute appendicitis can be classified into four types based on the clinical course. The first type is acute simple appendicitis, where the lesions are mostly confined to the mucosa and submucosal layer, with small ulcers and bleeding spots on the mucosal surface. The symptoms and signs are relatively mild. The second type is acute suppurative appendicitis, where the lesion has spread through all the layers of the appendix wall, and pus may accumulate inside, also known as acute cellulitis appendicitis. The third type is gangrenous and perforated appendicitis, which occurs due to pus in the appendix cavity causing increased internal pressure and circulatory disturbances in the appendix wall, leading to mucosal ischemic necrosis and perforation, causing acute diffuse peritonitis. The fourth type is peri-appendiceal abscess, which forms an inflammatory mass encapsulated by the surrounding omentum during suppuration or perforation of acute appendicitis.