Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, and recognizing its symptoms is vital as it can become a medical emergency. Below are the common signs of appendicitis and the typical procedure for treatment:

Symptoms of Appendix

1. Abdominal Pain: The most prominent symptom is abdominal pain that often begins around the navel and shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain worsens over time, becoming sharp and severe, especially with coughing or sudden movements.
2. Nausea and Vomiting: Many individuals experience nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. These symptoms often accompany abdominal pain and may vary in intensity.
3. Loss of Appetite: A sudden loss of appetite is common with appendicitis. Eating may become difficult or uncomfortable due to the inflammation in the abdomen.
4. Fever and Elevated White Blood Cell Count: The body’s immune response to the inflamed appendix leads to a fever. Blood tests often show an elevated white blood cell count, signalling infection or inflammation.
5. Localised Tenderness and Rebound Pain: As the condition progresses, pressing on the lower right abdomen may cause tenderness, and releasing the pressure leads to “rebound pain,” a key indicator used by healthcare providers during physical exams.

Procedure of Appendix

1. Diagnostic Evaluation: When appendicitis is suspected, a healthcare provider conducts a physical examination focusing on the lower right abdomen for tenderness and rebound pain. Blood tests and imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, help confirm the diagnosis and assess the inflammation’s severity.
2. Nonsurgical Approaches: In some early or mild cases, intravenous antibiotics may be used to control infection and reduce inflammation. However, surgery remains the most common and effective treatment.
3. Appendectomy (Surgical Removal): The primary treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, where the inflamed or infected appendix is surgically removed. This can be done through traditional open surgery or via laparoscopic (minimally invasive) technique.
4. Laparoscopic Appendectomy: This minimally invasive surgery involves making small incisions through which a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted. The surgeon uses this tool to remove the appendix. Patients who undergo this procedure generally recover faster than with open surgery.
5. Open Appendectomy: In certain situations, such as when there is an abscess or widespread infection, an open appendectomy is performed, requiring a larger incision to remove the appendix.
6. Postoperative Care: After surgery, patients are monitored for complications and pain management is provided. Recovery usually takes a few weeks, and patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity during this time. Postoperative antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.