Appendectomy: Understanding It Better

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When inflamed (or infected), the appendix tends to cause severe pain (among other symptoms) and problems that can lead to acute appendicitis.

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a condition resulting from the inflammation or infection of a part of the intestine also known as the appendix, located in the lower abdomen, on the right side of the body.

One of the main signs of inflammation in the appendix is the onset of severe pain in the area, which may or may not be accompanied by fever, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms that we mention below.

What are the main causes?

The inflammation of the appendix occurs when there is an accumulation of feces (and bacteria) inside the organ. The specific causes remain unknown to this day, but it is known that appendicitis can occur at any time in life.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of inflammation in the appendix are:

• Apathy;
• Chills;
• Constipation;
• Intense abdominal pain;
• Fever;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Loss of appetite;
• Stiffness and abdominal swelling.

Risk factors

There are no specific risk factors for the development of appendicitis. What is known is that cases are more frequent in people aged 10 to 30 years.

At the first signs and symptoms, it is essential to seek a doctor. In the case of children, parents should be even more attentive, as they often may have difficulty describing what they are feeling.

Appendectomy as treatment

If the appendix is infected, configuring appendicitis, surgical removal, or appendectomy, is necessary as soon as possible, to avoid more serious problems, such as perforation of the appendix and peritonitis (spread of the infection throughout the abdominal space).

For the procedure, the patient is fully anesthetized (general anesthesia) and a small cut is made in the lower right part of the abdomen. The appendix is then removed.

In the case of the presence of pus (or abscess) at the site of infection, a complete washing of the area is performed, and a small tube is attached to help eliminate fluids and secretions.

Is there prevention against appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a condition resulting from the functioning of the intestine, that is, there is no specific action that can prevent inflammation of the appendix.

On the other hand, it is recommended to consume foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and greens, as well as water, which help in the proper functioning of the intestine, reducing the intestinal transit of feces, which can reduce the chances of them accumulating in the appendix.

Learn more about appendectomy and other treatments at EndoBlog

EndoBlog gathers information about appendectomy and other important treatments for the health and well-being of patients of all ages.

EndoBlog was conceived by a team of health professionals aiming to clear all patient doubts, in addition to providing complete content about diseases, exams, and treatments, mainly related to the digestive system.

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