Acute appendicitis pain level

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 08, 2025
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The pain of acute appendicitis is mainly abdominal pain. Currently, there are no available data for reference to understand the level of pain in appendicitis, and the pain associated with acute appendicitis is related to the individual's constitution and the extent of inflammation in the appendix. If the inflammation is mild, limited only to the serosal layer, then the pain is relatively mild and tolerable. If the inflammation is more extensive or involves pus formation, perforation, and affects the peritoneum, it leads to noticeable peritonitis and causes severe, knife-like pain, making the patient scared to move and covered in profuse sweat; the pain is quite severe. For acute appendicitis, surgery is currently advocated as the treatment method.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How long to rest after appendicitis surgery?

After an appendectomy, if there is no significant suppuration or infection, a recovery period of at least two weeks is required. During this period, it is important to rest, pay attention to diet, increase nutrition, and increase protein intake, such as eating more chicken, fish, and soy products. Also, consume more vegetables and fruits, engage in appropriate exercises to increase gastrointestinal motility. The surgical incision should be dressed regularly, and sutures can be removed after a week post-operation, then depending on the condition, decide whether to change the dressing again.

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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.

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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 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 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.