Appendicitis belongs to which department?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on November 08, 2024
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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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How to relieve pain from acute appendicitis

For rapid pain relief in acute appendicitis, one can choose antispasmodic or sedative medications. However, it is important to note that acute appendicitis often requires surgical treatment clinically. If the pain is not particularly severe, conservative medication treatment can also be chosen, using sensitive antibiotics for anti-inflammatory pain relief. If surgery involves appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy is generally chosen, which has less intraoperative bleeding and quicker postoperative recovery. Only after the appendix is removed can the onset of acute appendicitis be effectively controlled or the transition from acute to chronic appendicitis prevented. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Diagnosis methods for chronic appendicitis

The diagnostic methods for chronic appendicitis mainly include medical history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and auxiliary examinations. Firstly, cases of chronic appendicitis generally have a history of acute appendicitis episodes. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by pain, discomfort, and dull pain in the lower right abdomen, often without a history of migratory lower right abdominal pain. In physical examinations, tenderness can be found in the lower right abdomen, and when chronic appendicitis flares up acutely, signs of peritonitis can manifest as rebound pain in the lower right abdomen. In laboratory tests, an increased white blood cell count can be observed. Auxiliary examinations may reveal thickening of the appendix wall and obstruction in the appendix lumen due to fecaliths. Therefore, chronic appendicitis can be diagnosed through methods such as medical history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and auxiliary examinations.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What tests are done for appendicitis?

Appendicitis examination primarily involves a physical examination. The patient lies flat with their legs bent, and the doctor stands on the patient's right side. The patient exposes their abdomen, and the doctor places their right palm flat in the middle of the abdomen, then smoothly performs a clockwise palpation, pressing the abdomen to check for rebound tenderness, especially at McBurney's point. If there is significant tenderness and rebound pain at McBurney's point, along with symptoms of fever and nausea, appendicitis is generally considered. An ultrasound can also be used as an auxiliary examination, where swelling of the appendix can be observed. Based on the physical examination and auxiliary tests, a preliminary diagnosis of appendicitis can be made.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Should you avoid certain foods if you have chronic appendicitis?

The majority of chronic appendicitis is transformed from acute appendicitis after treatment. Clinically, it mainly manifests as recurrent pain and discomfort in the lower right abdomen. In cases of chronic appendicitis, it is important to pay attention to a reasonable diet, avoid overeating and the consumption of gastrointestinal irritants, including spicy foods and some hard, cold foods, as these can induce pain in the lower right abdomen. Additionally, the diet should be low in sodium, sugar, and fat. Consumable options may include liquid or semi-liquid foods, as well as foods like yogurt. It is also advisable to eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and anti-inflammatory substances, such as apples, bananas, cabbage, and cauliflower.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What to pay attention to with appendicitis

Patients with appendicitis should pay attention to diet adjustments and regular routines, as well as choosing the correct treatment method. Diet should be lighter, consume more vegetables, ensure smooth bowel movements, eat less raw, cold, and spicy foods, rest more, and avoid excessive fatigue, especially staying up late. Additionally, pay attention to active and effective treatments. Currently, surgical treatment is the main approach, and laparoscopic appendectomy can be chosen. This surgical method involves less bleeding during the operation and a faster postoperative recovery, requiring a rest period of two weeks post-surgery.