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Appendectomy / Appendecetomy

Appendectomy - Indications For Surgery

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Appendectomy is usually an emergency surgical procedure performed when the patient suffers from appendicitis. It is important to undergo the surgery before a hole or perforation develops in the wall of the appendix. This can lead to spreading of infection to the entire abdominal cavity causing what is known as Peritonitis (i.e. the inflammation of the lining of the abdomen).

How do we know the symptoms of Appendicitis and seek help from the doctor?
1· Abdominal pain is usually felt in the lower right side
2· Mild Fever
3· Reduced appetite
4· Nausea & vomiting
5· Constipation

The consulting doctor has no test to confirm appendicitis. Similar symptoms may be caused by other illnesses. Hence it’s important to be very accurate with the information to the doctor.

The doctor then does the following Checks:

Checks the abdomen for tenderness and tightness, especially the right lower side.

Checks the rectum for tenderness and an enlarged appendix.

Checks the blood for an increase in white blood cells (WBC).

If the patient were a woman he may perform a vaginal examination to exclude pain caused by the ovaries or uterus.

Sometimes if the appendix has repeated low-grade infection and inflammation, a condition called Chronic Appendicitis develops and a routine appendectomy procedure is performed.


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Member Comments ( 8 )
If a patient is having a high grade fever at the same time wheezes due to history of asthma but oxygen saturation is 99% on 2L/min via nasal prong. Which should be dealt first? my ineffective breathing pattern or fever"? Whaat can fever do with regards to my acute appendicitis?
(Posted by Frank_73, Canada Date : 11/2/2010 )
how long should the durabond stay on the incesions?
(Posted by sparky43, United States Date : 8/28/2010 )
Are there any contra indications for an appendectomy?
(Posted by LeoRa, Netherlands Date : 5/29/2010 )
good.
(Posted by ramkk, India Date : 4/8/2010 )
Is it true that swallowing types of seeds can cause appendicitis? Or if so, is it really really rare and I shouldn't worry about it?
(Posted by Erni93, United States Date : 8/16/2009 )
View All Comments (8)