The appendix is a finger-like pouch of the intestinal tract situated where the small and large intestine join. It is a vestigial organ having no known use. Dhanvantari Hospital has the best appendix doctor in Borivali.
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It usually occurs when its lumen is blocked by a piece of fecolith, injury, or a lymph node. This blocks its contents from emptying into the intestines. These secretions collect and engorge, causing the appendix to swell up.
If not treated in time – The swelling can exert pressure on the blood supply to the appendix causing its gangrene or ruptures. This results in spillage of infected fecal material and pus into the abdominal cavity causing abscess or septicemia
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
- Abdominal pain: Usually starting near the umbilicus, then moving to the right lower side of the abdomen.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Symptoms of peritonitis due to ruptured appendix may include severe abdominal pain which is felt throughout the abdomen
Children, elderly and pregnant women, and the elderly do not have the usual symptoms of appendicitis. Thus it is very important for these people to be careful to report the early signs of appendicitis.
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
- Imaging – Abdominal x-rays, Ultrasound, CT scan, etc.
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
How is it treated?
- Monitoring for 12 to 24 hours to see if surgery is necessary. In most cases, the appendix must be removed. The operation is called an appendectomy
What is an appendectomy?
The surgical removal of the appendix is called an appendectomy
How is an appendectomy done?
Open procedure-Traditionally, the appendix was removed through a larger incision in the right lower abdominal wall.
In laparoscopic appendectomies, surgeons operate through 3 small incisions (each 5-10mm) while watching an enlarged image of the patient’s internal organs on a television monitor. In some cases, one of the small openings may be lengthened to 2 or 3 inches to complete the procedure. Dr. Bhavesh Doshi is the appendix doctor at Dhanvantari Hospital, Borivali.
In a small number of patients, the laparoscopic method is not feasible because of the inability to visualize or handle the organs effectively. When the surgeon feels that it is safest to convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open one, this is not a complication, but rather sound surgical judgment in the interest of patient safety. Some of the reasons being, extensive infection, perforation, bleeding, or an inability to visualize organs.
What are the advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy?
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker return to bowel function and normal activity
- Quicker return to normal activity
- Better cosmetic results
Contraindications
Laparoscopic appendectomy is not performed if there is advanced infection or the appendix has ruptured. A traditional, open procedure using a larger incision may be required to safely remove the infected appendix in these patients.
Get a free consultation with Dr. Bhavesh Doshi. Book an appointment