Acute Appendicitis
The appendix is an organ that opens from a point near the junction of the large intestine and the small intestine to the first part of the large intestine called the cecum and ends blindly.
Its exact function is not clearly known, but it is thought to be effective in the defense system of the intestines in the first years of life.
Acute appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix due to obstruction of its lumen.
If we list the main signs (symptoms) of acute appendicitis;
Pain: It is seen in all appendicitis patients, usually starts around the navel and may be localized to the right lower quadrant depending on the rate of progression of the disease.
Loss of appetite: It is the second most common complaint after pain (95-100%). It is usually present in all patients to a greater or lesser extent if questioned well. It usually started before the pain.
Nausea and vomiting: It is seen in 75-90% of patients.
Inability of the patient to defecate and pass gas.
Subfebrile fever
Diagnosis of acute appendicitis;
The diagnosis of appendicitis is mainly based on the history and examination findings of the patient.
In addition, the elimination of diagnoses similar to acute appendicitis, which may be confused with appendicitis, brings us closer to the diagnosis of appendicitis.
These are conditions such as normal urinalysis and no problems in terms of gynecological diseases. Evaluations that help the diagnosis are; blood tests (WBC, CRP), ultrasound, computed tomography.
Currently, the treatment of acute appendicitis is surgical (appendectomy). Classically, it can be performed open or laparoscopically.
Let’s answer a few questions wondered by the society in this article;
What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis in Children?
Abdominal pain, vomiting and loss of appetite are the main complaints. Initially the pain is around the navel, but after a while it is localized to the lower right side of the abdomen. It is a constant pain and gradually increases.
Appetite is usually lost and vomiting accompanies the picture in many patients.
Fever is usually present in advanced cases and is usually associated with perforation, commonly known as “burst appendicitis”, i.e. the spread of inflammation into the abdomen.
What is a burst appendix and is it dangerous?
When the appendix becomes blocked and infected with bacteria, it first swells. Then circulatory disturbance develops and a perforation occurs in a certain area as a result of decay. This is called a ruptured appendix (perforated appendicitis).
This decay and perforation can occur at any time after the first 24 hours following the onset of appendicitis symptoms. After perforated appendicitis, the process ceases to be an inflammation of a small organ and becomes a picture of intestinal perforation.
Patients feel a reduction in pain and even some relief after the appendix has burst. This “false well-being” may last for 4-6 hours. Then the complaints continue to increase from where they left off
Patients who consult a surgeon and undergo surgery within the first 24 hours usually undergo an operation that takes less than half an hour and can stay in the hospital for a day, rest at home for a few days and return to their normal daily life.
However, patients whose surgery is delayed for some reason and who develop perforated appendicitis may become more difficult and dangerous.
The surgeries of these patients are more troublesome. After the surgery, they may experience a more troublesome period such as drain placement and additional medication and serum treatments.
How is acute appendicitis diagnosed in pregnant patients? How does it affect the mother and her baby?
In pregnant women, the diagnosis is made by history, physical examination and tests as described above. CT (computerized tomography) cannot be used in pregnant women because it may harm the baby.
With a multidisciplinary approach, the mother and baby are protected under the control of general surgery, radiology and gynecology.
In cases of acute appendicitis and late perforation, there is a life risk for mother and baby. However, this situation is minimized under the conditions of our country
Dear reader. As I conclude my article, I would like to remind you that you should not use painkillers when you have abdominal pain, as this causes physicians to have difficulty in making a diagnosis and puts your life at risk. Stay with healthy days.