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The appendix is a 3-6” long tube like organ that is connected to the small and large intestines. The appendix has no known function. Once the appendix becomes infected or inflamed, it must be removed. Inflammation of the appendix is call appendicitis.
Symptoms usually develop rapidly with little warning over 6-12 hours.
Common Symptoms include:
- Vague discomfort in the navel area
- Pain increases and is localized to the lower right side of the abdomen.
- The abdomen may become rigid and very sensitive to pressure.
- Pain is typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a slight fever.
[1] Approximately two thirds of all people with appendicitis are women, and about two-thirds are between the ages of 15 and 44. However, appendicitis can affect any person at any age.
An appendectomy is almost always performed as emergency surgery. Surgeons perform an appendectomy either through an open operation or laparoscopically.
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[1] WebMd. 8 July 2006 http://www.webmd.com. |
