Read more about diagnosing appendicitis and complications of appendicitis. If you have appendicitis, it's likely your appendix will need to be removed as soon as possible. Removal of the appendix, known as an appendicectomy or appendectomy, is 1 of the most common operations in the UK and its success rate is excellent.
It's most commonly carried out as keyhole surgery laparoscopy. Several small cuts are made in the abdomen, allowing special surgical instruments to be inserted. Open surgery, where a larger, single cut is made in the abdomen, is usually used if the appendix has burst or access is more difficult. It usually takes a couple of weeks to make a full recovery after your appendix has been removed.
But strenuous activities may need to be avoided for up to 6 weeks after having open surgery. It's not clear what causes appendicitis. The exact role of the appendix is not clear. Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes swollen, inflamed, and filled with pus. When a doctor suspects appendicitis, a surgeon may need to remove the appendix to prevent a burst appendix.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms and causes of a burst appendix. We also discuss the possible treatments for a burst appendix. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. Inflammation usually happens when there is an obstruction in the appendix, and bacteria cannot escape.
The accumulation of bacteria in the appendix causes the immune system to activate, and the process of inflammation begins.
Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain that needs surgery in the United States. However, appendicitis can happen at any age. The first symptom of appendicitis is usually severe and sudden pain in the abdomen. It often begins near the belly button and then moves lower and to the right.
The pain may become more intense within the next few hours and become worse by moving, coughing, sneezing, or taking deep breaths.
Children may complain of pain around the middle of the belly near the belly button. Younger children are at a higher risk of a burst appendix, as they may not be able to talk clearly about their symptoms.
Appendicitis can have more than one cause, and in many cases, doctors may not know the exact reason for appendicitis. The condition typically occurs when part of the appendix becomes obstructed, or blocked.
If there is an obstruction in the appendix, bacteria will get trapped and begin to multiply, causing an infection. This can lead to the formation of pus and swelling, which can cause painful pressure in the abdomen. If not treated promptly and appropriately, the pressure will continue to build, causing the appendix to swell.
The swelling may lead to part of the appendix dying due to a lack of blood supply. With significant inflammation, pressure, and cell death, the appendix may burst. When the appendix bursts, the bacteria and pus leak into the abdomen. The bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus.
If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture. A pocket of pus that forms in the abdomen. If your appendix bursts, you may develop a pocket of infection abscess. In most cases, a surgeon drains the abscess by placing a tube through your abdominal wall into the abscess. The tube is left in place for about two weeks, and you're given antibiotics to clear the infection. Once the infection is clear, you'll have surgery to remove the appendix.
In some cases, the abscess is drained, and the appendix is removed immediately. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. As the infection spreads throughout the abdomen, patients often experience worsening symptoms, including high fever and severe pain.
Most cases of a ruptured appendix occur about 48 — 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. A ruptured appendix is always considered an emergency and requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, a ruptured appendix can lead to widespread infection, abscess, sepsis an infection in the bloodstream , and even death. If it has been determined that your appendix has burst, you will likely require almost immediate surgery to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity, followed by an extended course of antibiotic therapy to ensure the infection has been cleared.
Appendicitis and a ruptured appendix are critical conditions that require rapid diagnosis and care.
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