Appendectomy
Despite the advancements in science and the revolution that has occurred in all technological fields, the human body remains a miracle and evidence of the Creator's ability and creativity in creating humans. Whenever doctors contemplate this body, they discover miraculous signs and indications. Some diseases still have no cure, and some organs are difficult for doctors to pinpoint their exact function. One of these organs is the appendix, inflammation and causes of which remain puzzling. Despite doctors performing appendectomies, the human body continues to function, and other organs can perform their presumed immune function and aid in digestion. This article discusses appendectomy, how it occurs, and the complications that arise from delayed treatment.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis occurs as one of the emergency symptoms affecting both men and women, young and old. However, appendicitis affects men twice as much as women, but it can also affect children and the elderly, albeit with symptoms that may differ slightly from those in younger individuals. Appendicitis typically affects individuals between the ages of ten and thirty.
Causes of Appendicitis
- Residuals causing obstruction in the appendix.
- Increased lymphoid cells known as Lymphoid Hyperplasia.
- Infections caused by some worms leading to the blockage of the appendix.
- Presence of foreign bodies in the large intestine.
Symptoms of Appendicitis in Children
- Feeling of nausea and vomiting.
- Occurrence of mild fever.
- In children with appendicitis, diarrhea may occur several days later.
- Loss of appetite when appendicitis occurs.
- Children may feel pain while urinating or there may be an increase in urination frequency.
- One of the most important symptoms of appendicitis in children is feeling pain in the lower right area of the abdomen and stiffness in that area.
Appendicitis Treatment
Appendicitis treatment begins with antibiotics, followed by surgical removal of the appendix either through open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Antibiotic treatment for appendicitis is complementary, and the main treatment is surgical removal of the appendix, it should be removed before it bursts and causes other complications.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Laparoscopic appendectomy is the best option for removing the appendix, applicable to elderly patients or those who are obese, and it's important to know a list of procedures applied before the appendicitis surgery:
- Blood tests to determine if there is an increase in white blood cells count, indicating an infection.
- Urine test to determine if there are kidney stones causing the pain.
- Physical examination to determine where the pain in the abdomen comes from.
- Imaging of the abdominal area with X-rays.
- Another imaging with computerized tomography (CT).
Complications of Laparoscopic Appendectomy
- Inflammation in the surgical wound.
- An abscess may form at the site where the appendix was removed.
- An adjacent organ may be injured during the removal of the appendix.
- If the appendix bursts during surgery, there may be redness and swelling in the abdominal area.
