What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. This organ serves no useful purpose in the adult patient other than to cause significant pain should it become infected.
In the worst case scenario (usually as a result of misdiagnosis or the patient not seeking prompt medical attention), it can rupture (develop a small tear), thereby allowing the toxic contents to spill out into the rest of the abdomen, potentially causing other infections — such as septicemia, a serious blood infection.
Surgery to Remove the Appendix
Undergoing an appendectomy, the removal of the appendix, is a simple surgery that rarely has post-surgical complications. Here in New Jersey alone, I have performed hundreds of these operations successfully for patients ranging from children to seniors (although appendicitis is most common between the ages of 10-30).
Recognizing early symptoms of appendicitis can help offset a potential rupture and significantly speed up recovery time and time spent in the hospital.
Keep in mind, an inflamed appendix is not going to “get better,” nor will the pain go away on its own.
Know the Warning Signs of Appendicitis:
Early symptoms are often mistaken for a stomach cramp, indigestion, gas or constipation. Most commonly, the patient experiences increasingly severe pain on the right side of the abdomen that worsens over time.
People may also experience:
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Inability to pass gas
- Low grade fever
Once appendicitis has been diagnosed, an emergency appendectomy is required so the organ does not rupture.
Laparoscopic surgery is used in the majority of appendectomy cases today which requires only uses only three to four small incisions where tiny surgical instruments and a miniaturized camera are inserted to remove the appendix.
7 Reasons to Consider Laparoscopic Surgery for an Appendectomy
Laparoscopic surgery is almost always the preferred surgical method for seven important reasons:
- Fewer post-surgical complications
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of infection
- Faster recovery time
- Less scarring
- Less need for pain medication
- Quicker hospital discharge
Most of the time, patients remain in the hospital overnight and can go home the following day. A week after surgery, patients are usually feeling significantly better and may resume limited activity.
Do You Suspect Appendicitis?
If you suspect you have appendicitis, call your family doctor immediately. If you are then referred to a surgeon for care, be sure that the doctor is board certified and specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic care.
It is always advisable to have the recommended name and contact information of a central New Jersey surgeon who you can call in the case of surgical emergencies for you or your family.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.