Prof. Dr. R. K. Mishra
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- What is appendix?
- What is the function of appendix ?
- What is appendicitis?
- What is the cause of appendicitis?
- Is appendicitis preventable?
- What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
- How it is diagnosed?
- What is the best method of diagnosis?
- What is the best treatment of appendicitis?
- What is the benefit of laparoscopic appendectomy?
- Is every patient fit for laparoscopic appendectomy?
- What are the complications of laparoscopic appendectomy?
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What is appendix?
Appendix is a small worm like pouch attached to the cecum, the beginning of the colon, on the lower right side of the abdomen. It was useful in herbivorous animal for digestion of cellulose but the appendix is not necessary for human life. Sometime it can become diseased and give rise surgical emergency.
What is the function of appendix ?
During first few year of the life appendix functions as part of the immune system, but after that it no longer has any known function.
What is appendicitis?
It hurts allot! it hurts allot! can't go outside from my body the perks! the perks! as I abide to the Guide of doctor.
Appendicitis was first recognised as a disease entity in the sixteenth century and was called perityphlitis. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. If untreated, an inflamed appendix can burst, causing infection, abscess, severe peritonitis and even death. Appendicitis can affect people at any age. It is most common in people ages 10 to 30.
What is the cause of appendicitis?
The cause of appendicitis is usually unknown. It may occur after a viral infection in the digestive tract or when the opening connecting the large intestine and appendix is blocked. The inflammation can cause infection, a blood clot, or rupture of the appendix. Because of the risk of rupture, appendicitis is considered an emergency. Anyone with symptoms needs to see a doctor immediately.
Is appendicitis preventable?
There are no medically proven ways to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis is found to be less common in people who eat foods containing fiber and roughage such as raw vegetables and fruits.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
McBurney described the clinical findings in 1889. The symptoms of appendicitis can initially be difficult to differentiate from an intestinal flu, which is commonly called gastroenteritis. Early symptoms may include vague bloating, indigestion and mild pain, which generally are perceived as being in the area of the umbilicus (belly-button). The main symptoms are:
- Pain first starts around umbilicus then
- pain move to the right side of the abdomen
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- inability to pass gas
- low fever
- abdominal swelling
- anorexia
How it is diagnosed?
Several ways have been suggested to diminish the diagnostic error that occurs if diagnosis is based solely on the clinical picture of suspected appendicitis. In fact appendicitis is a disease, which can mimic most of the causes of abdominal pain as well as some of the chest diseases. Despite new x-ray techniques, CT scans and ultrasounds, the diagnosis of appendicitis can be quite challenging. So far the most accurate non-invasive method of diagnosis is ultrasonography but this is not totally reliable. The history and physical examination will generally lead to the correct diagnosis.
What is the best method of diagnosis?
The diagnosis of acute appendicitis is mainly clinical. Together with other supporting investigation.
What is the best treatment of appendicitis?
Best treatment of appendicitis is its surgical removal. Mild appendicitis may sometimes be cured with antibiotics. More serious cases are treated with surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy. Doctors may use laparoscopic surgery for appendectomy. This technique involves making several tiny cuts in the abdomen and inserting a miniature camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon then removes the appendix with the instruments, so there is usually no need to make a large incision in the abdomen.
What is the benefit of laparoscopic appendectomy?
Laparoscopic appendectomy provide less postoperative morbidity. Most cases of acute appendicitis can be treated laparoscopically. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a useful method for reducing hospital stay, complications and return to normal activity. The main advantages are:
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery
- Short hospital stay
- Less post-operative complications like wound infection and adhesion
- Cost-effective in working group
Is every patient fit for laparoscopic appendectomy?
No. Most surgeons would not recommend laparoscopic appendicectomy in those with pre-existing disease conditions. Patients with cardiac diseases and COPD should not be considered a good candidate for laparoscopic appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy may also be more difficult in patients who have had previous lower abdominal surgery. The elderly may also be at increased risk for complications with general anaesthesia combined with pneumoperitoneum. Laparoscopy does add to the surgical risk in patients with a lowered cardio-pulmonary reserve with regard to the consequences of the pneumoperitoneum and a longer operative time.
What are the complications of laparoscopic appendectomy?
In experienced hand there is not any specific complication directly related to laparoscopic procedure but if the surgeon is not trained enough in laparoscopy than the chance of following complication is there:
Missed diagnosis
Bleeding
Incomplete appendectomy
Visceral Injury
Leakage of purulent exudates from appendix at the time of operation:
Intra-abdominal abscess
Hernia
But inexperience hand these complications are extremely rare. and altogether laparoscopic procedure has less complication than conventional surgery
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