Appendicitis

The appendix is a vermiform appendage attached to the cecum which is the first portion of the colon.  It is considered a vestigial organ, forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable.  Over the past many years research has suggested that  it may be a reservoir for repopulating  Healthy bacteria into the colon after bouts of infection.  Otherwise, the appendix only serves to get infected. 










​Appendicitis
When infected, the appendix pain  usually starts around the belly button as a vague increasing pain and then migrates to the right lower quadrant. 
Symptoms include:

• Pain in the abdomen starting in the belly button migrating to the right lower quadrant.
• Loss of appetite 
• fever that may increase as the illness progresses
• Constipation or diarrhea

Appendectomy
Surgical removal of the appendix is referred to as appendectomy.  Today, this is most often performed through laparoscopic surgery or minimally invasive.  The procedure usually takes about an hour and the patient is ready for discharge within 24 hours.  Antibiotics are always included in the management of appendicitis.

Sometimes the appendicitis can progress too far and rupture or "burst" into the belly.  The body usually creates a protective rind around the infection walling it off.  Treatment for this us antibiotics and a drain placed into the walled off abscess.   This presentation is not an emergency and is actually a contraindication to surgery as greater damage may be caused by trying to operate.
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