Inflamed Appendix
Appendicitis occurs at different ages, but some studies suggest that it mostly occurs between the ages of eleven and thirty. However, this does not mean it does not occur at any age, and appendicitis also occurs in both men and women, although it occurs more frequently in men, at a ratio of 2:3, and its symptoms may resemble those of colitis.
How do we detect appendicitis?
- Conducting a complete blood count.
- Performing abdominal imaging via ultrasound.
- Through conducting a CRB test (erythrocyte sedimentation rate test).
- Conducting a urine analysis to exclude urinary tract infections.
- For women, pregnancy testing is performed to exclude ectopic pregnancy.
- Performing a chest X-ray to exclude inflammation in the lower lobe of the lung.
Methods of Appendectomy
Appendectomy is the most successful treatment for appendicitis, and there is treatment with conventional surgery or laparoscopic surgery, but before performing the operation, it is necessary to ensure the elimination of appendiceal swelling and inflammation by administering antibiotics, if there is no abscess formation. If there is an abscess, immediate surgical intervention is required to remove the appendix, after draining the abscess with a tube under the skin, followed by surgical removal of the appendicitis.
As we mentioned, there are two methods for appendectomy: the first method is open surgery, which involves a single longitudinal incision in the lower right part of the abdomen. This allows for abdominal cleansing if there is a rupture in the appendix or in the case of abscess formation.
As for the second method (laparoscopic surgery), it is as follows: the surgeon makes three incisions in the patient's abdomen for the insertion of the laparoscope, then carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the patient's abdomen to distinguish the appendix from the rest of the abdominal organs. There are advantages to laparoscopic surgery, including that it is the best method for older adults and those who are obese, as well as its lower risks. Laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to deal with unexpected situations, such as the appearance of an ectopic pregnancy, or in case of discovering cysts on the ovaries.
Whether the appendectomy is performed by open surgery or laparoscopy, the doctor then prescribes antibiotics to prevent infection from spreading to the wound, which must remain clean.
