Acute appendicitis clinical classification

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 15, 2025
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Appendicitis complications

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix lumen. If not treated promptly, it can lead to several complications, such as perforation of the appendix. After perforation, pus from the appendix lumen leaks into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, which leads to abdominal pain, tenderness, and rebound pain. Furthermore, if acute appendicitis is not thoroughly treated, it can progress to chronic appendicitis and periappendiceal abscess. A swollen mass can often be felt on the surface of the abdomen in affected patients. Therefore, active treatment for appendicitis is essential. The principle treatment is surgical removal of the appendix. For mild cases of appendicitis, medical conservative observation and treatment can also be chosen.

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Gastroenterology
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Appendicitis surgery how many days to remove stitches?

Appendectomy stitches are generally removed about a week after the surgery. However, there are special circumstances where the removal of stitches may be delayed. For example, if the patient is physically weak, nutritionally compromised, or if the wound heals slowly, it is necessary to wait until the wound has sufficiently healed before removing the stitches. If the appendectomy incision shows clear signs of pus formation, it is crucial to remove the stitches promptly, thoroughly clean the wound, and then dress it externally. Therefore, the timing for stitch removal after an appendectomy should be based on the patient's current medical condition.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis cause a fever?

Appendicitis can cause fever. After the fever, a routine blood test will show a significant increase in white blood cells, which is often referred to as an elevated blood profile. In addition to fever, appendicitis may also cause vomiting and nausea. A typical symptom is abdominal pain, starting around the navel and then gradually moving to the lower right abdomen. For the fever, active symptomatic fever reduction should be pursued, or appendectomy can be chosen. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is more common, with less bleeding during the operation and faster post-operative recovery.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does appendicitis surgery require an incision?

Appendicitis surgery can be performed through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive treatment. Open surgery involves a traditional incision at McBurney's point to remove the appendix, which is now rarely used, predominantly replaced by minimally invasive treatment under laparoscopy. The procedure is the same for both methods, involving ligation of the appendicular artery followed by cutting the appendix at its base and suturing the stump. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include less intraoperative bleeding, faster postoperative recovery, and less physical trauma. Patients can choose between open surgery or minimally invasive treatment based on their personal circumstances and financial conditions.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is surgery necessary for appendicitis?

Once appendicitis is diagnosed, most cases require surgical treatment because the blood supply to the appendix is quite unique, with only the appendicular artery providing blood flow. If appendicitis occurs, it can easily lead to ischemic necrosis of the appendix, resulting in gangrenous appendicitis. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a common surgical procedure, which is a minimally invasive treatment. For elderly or frail individuals who cannot tolerate surgery, conservative treatment is the only option. Postoperative care should be enhanced, with regular dressing changes at the incision site, and stitches can generally be removed one week after surgery. A semi-liquid diet is recommended for one to two days after surgery, and a regular diet can be resumed three to four days post-operation.