APPENDICECTOMY

The appendix is a small tubular pouch that protrudes from the bottom of the colon, like a little tail. It is located on the lower right side of the abdomen.

Appendicectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a painful & inflamed appendix. It is a very common surgery performed by general surgeons. An inflamed appendix has potential to rapture so it is considered as a medical emergency. Ruptured appendix can be very dangerous to the health.

Appendix is small in size, thus, it can be swollen very quickly with inflammation and does not take much time to burst. Burst appendix can spread infectious agents throughout the abdominal cavity leading to peritonitis (inflammation of abdominal lining) and leads to sepsis (infection spreads to blood stream).

Causes

• Abdominal injuries or trauma
• Digestive tract infection
• IBS
• Growth inside the appendix

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, tenderness while coughing & sneezing
• Swollen belly
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Inability to pass gas
• Loss of appetite
• Low grade fever
• Nausea & vomiting

Diagnosis

• USG, CT Scan, MRI

Surgical treatment

Laparoscopic surgery –

Laparoscope is inserted through small incision. This is a minimally invasive procedure. It helps to heal faster with less pain.

Complication

• Abscess
• Abdominal infection
• Sepsis

What causes gallstones?

Gallstones may form if bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or not enough bile salts.

Symptoms

• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen.
• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone.
• Back pain between your shoulder blades.
• Pain in your right shoulder.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Treatment

Open gallstone surgery 

During an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes a 6-inch (15-centimeter) incision in your abdomen below your ribs on your right side. The muscle and tissue are pulled back to reveal your liver and gallbladder. Your surgeon then removes the gallbladder. The incision is sutured, and you're taken to a recovery area. Recovery period is 6 to 8 weeks to return to your normal activities.