Causes of Appendicitis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 03, 2024
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Appendicitis is caused by both anatomical factors of the body and lifestyle dietary patterns. The appendix is a tube that is open at one end and closed at the other, communicating with the cecum. Due to its narrow and long nature, it is easy for fecal matter to block the appendix, leading to increased pressure within the tube, mucosal ischemia necrosis, and subsequently triggering inflammation. Additionally, irregular eating habits, such as binge eating, habitual drinking, and consumption of spicy food, can provoke inflammation of the appendix. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically. The laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used nowadays, which is a minimally invasive treatment that allows for a faster recovery and leaves smaller scars on the body surface.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Does chronic appendicitis cause a high fever?

Chronic appendicitis is just a common gastrointestinal disease. Generally, chronic appendicitis does not involve fever. However, a low-grade fever may occur when the inflammation in some cases of chronic appendicitis is not well-controlled. A small percentage of chronic appendicitis can acutely flare up and lead to a purulent infection, causing purulent appendicitis, which may lead to perforation of the appendix, diffuse peritonitis, septic shock, and high fever. Therefore, it is essential to actively treat chronic appendicitis, and early surgical intervention is recommended.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Characteristics of Appendicitis Pain

The most typical pain manifestation of appendicitis is migratory pain, which generally starts in the upper abdomen or around the navel, and in most cases moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes fixed within a few hours. During physical examination, the pain usually localizes to a fixed point in the lower right abdomen, typically at McBurney's point, although this can vary with the position of the appendix. However, as the condition of the appendix progresses, such as when it becomes purulent or even gangrenous, the inflammation worsens and the area of tenderness can expand. This is mostly manifested by symptoms of peritoneal irritation, which are generally indicative of the timing for surgery. In most cases of appendicitis where the diagnosis is clear, early surgical intervention is recommended, as surgery is the only cure. Most patients who improve with conservative treatment are likely to experience recurrence later on.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is appendicitis prone to recurrence?

Appendicitis, if treated by surgically removing the appendix, generally does not recur and can be cured. However, if one only uses medication to control the symptoms during an attack of appendicitis, it can easily recur. For appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy is currently the preferred surgical treatment. This method involves less bleeding during surgery and quicker recovery post-surgery. For elderly or frail patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, the traditional surgical method involving an incision at McBurney's point can be chosen. With this method, it is important to rest more. Patients can usually be discharged about a week after surgery. Postoperative care should be strengthened, dietary adjustments should be made, and more vegetables should be eaten to prevent constipation.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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What should I do about chronic appendicitis?

Most cases of chronic appendicitis are transformed from treated acute appendicitis. Clinically, chronic appendicitis mainly presents as recurrent pain or dull pain in the lower right abdomen. When diagnosed with chronic appendicitis, active surgical treatment is recommended. Currently, the surgical options include traditional open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy, which is referred to as minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery causes less trauma and allows for quicker recovery.