The appendix is located on the lower side of the abdomen and is a small, tube shaped pouch that is attached to the large intestine. The purpose of the appendix is not exactly known, however it is believed that it helps cure diarrhea and any infections that may occur in the small and the large intestine. Even though these are important functions, the body still operates normally without an appendix.
The appendix, if becomes inflamed and swollen, then it can home bacteria and help them multiply inside the organ which leads to the formation of pus. When bacteria and pus build up it leads to pain that is felt around the belly button and spreads to the lower right side of the abdomen.
Appendectomy surgery is a method that is used to remove the appendix. It is an emergency surgery used to treat appendicitis. It is important that the appendix is removed before it ruptures. After the Appendectomy surgery is performed most patients recover quickly and also do not face any complications.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
See a doctor and book surgery packages online if you find any of these symptoms of appendicitis:
· Pain in the stomach that starts from the belly button and spreads to the lower right side of the abdomen
· Swelling of the abdomen
· Abdominal muscles getting rigid
· Diarrhea and constipation
· Appetite loss
· Fever of low-grade
Pregnant women, however, feel the pain on the upper right side of the abdomen. This is because the appendix gets positioned higher during pregnancy. An Appendectomy needs to be performed immediately in order to prevent any complications.
These appendix symptoms should not be ignored and it is important that one seeks medical help straight away. If the condition is not treated, then it can cause the appendix to burst which releases the bacteria and the other harmful substances in the abdominal cavity.
There are two ways of performing an Appendectomy surgery. The patient’s medical history and the severity of the appendicitis are the deciding factors on the type of surgery the doctor performs.
· Open Appendectomy
The surgeon makes an incision in the lower side of the abdomen, which lets him remove the appendix and he then closes the wound with stitches. This process also allows the doctor to clean the abdominal cavity in case the appendix bursts. The method is used if there is a rupture of the appendix and the infection has spread to the other organs. This method is also used on those patients who have had an abdominal surgery in the past.
· Laparoscopic Appendectomy
The surgeon makes few small incisions in the abdomen to access the appendix. A small and narrow tube called the cannula is inserted which helps to inflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. The gas gives better view for the surgery. The laparoscope is inserted after the abdomen gets inflated. The laparoscope is a long and thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front. The camera helps the surgeon to see the inside on a screen and guides him to do the operation. The appendix is tied with stitches and removed. The smaller cuts are cleaned, closed and then dressed. This option is best for older people and those who are overweight. It is less risky and also lets the patient recover faster.
Risks Associated with Appendectomy Surgery
The surgical procedure is simple. However, the surgery comes with a few risks:
· Blocked bowels
· Injury to the nearby organs
The risks are much lesser as compared to the danger that is associated with leaving the appendicitis untreated. If Appendectomy is not done immediately it will lead to the formation of peritonitis and abscesses.