Is appendicitis contagious?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 27, 2025
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Appendicitis is an inflammation that occurs in the lumen of the appendix, including acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis. Appendicitis is not contagious, as it is not an infectious disease, but rather a purulent inflammation. Therefore, there is no need to isolate patients with appendicitis. Appendicitis usually requires surgical removal, but it is important to note that surgery should not be performed if acute appendicitis has been present for more than 72 hours, or if an abscess has formed. The majority of surgeries are performed using laparoscopic appendectomy, a method which allows for a faster recovery post-operation.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Appendicitis belongs to which department?

Appendicitis falls under the domain of general surgery, and its pathological changes can be categorized into several types. The first type is acute simple appendicitis, characterized by mucosal congestion and edema, with patients typically presenting mild symptoms. The second type is acute suppurative appendicitis, also known as cellulitis, where symptoms worsen, and patients may develop fever and experience tenderness and rebound pain in the lower right abdomen. The third type includes acute gangrenous and perforative appendicitis, where the condition further worsens. The appendix wall is necrotic or partially necrotic, and perforation usually occurs at the proximal end of the appendix, potentially leading to the formation of a periappendiceal abscess. If the perforation extends into the abdominal cavity, it can lead to diffuse peritonitis, often requiring emergency surgical exploration. The fourth type involves a periappendiceal abscess, typically progressing slowly. The omentum can move to the lower right side and envelop the appendix, forming adhesions and leading to the formation of an abscess. Most cases are treated conservatively, and traditional Chinese medicine is used adjunctively to promote the absorption of the abscess.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What department should I go to for appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a common disease in general surgery, so one can register for a general surgery appointment. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of appendicitis is mainly based on clinical manifestations. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. The abdominal pain starts around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen after several hours, where the pain becomes localized. Once diagnosed with appendicitis, surgery is often required. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This surgical method requires general anesthesia and is relatively complex, but recovery is quicker, and patients typically can be discharged after a routine 3-day hospital stay.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How long after appendicitis can one have intercourse?

Regarding how long after appendectomy one can engage in sexual activities, it mainly depends on the treatment method used and the healing status after the surgery. Most cases of appendicitis can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, which not only cause less trauma and allow for quicker recovery but also reduce postoperative complications. The abdomen typically has two to three small puncture holes, each about one centimeter in length, and most patients can achieve sufficient strength to engage in sexual activities about a month after surgery. However, for traditional open surgery, the abdominal incision is usually longer, which may lead to incision infection and poor healing of the incision, and it generally takes about three months to achieve sufficient strength. For acute appendicitis, minimally invasive treatment is generally recommended, provided the patient's condition permits.

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

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
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How to diagnose appendicitis

Appendicitis is primarily diagnosed clinically through a physical examination. The patient is asked to lie flat, exposing the abdomen, with legs bent. The doctor stands on the patient’s right side and uses the right hand with fingers together to gently rub the abdomen, pressing on the McBurney's point. If there is significant pain, this is considered positive tenderness. Then, the doctor quickly lifts the fingers; if there is significant rebound pain, it is generally confirmed as acute appendicitis. During acute appendicitis, as the appendix lumen expands and the appendix becomes congested and edematous, ultrasound imaging can also show corresponding signs that serve as an auxiliary diagnosis. Once acute appendicitis is confirmed, it is mostly treated surgically.