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Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a 2-3 inch-long tube of tissue that extends from the large intestine.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that almost always requires prompt surgery to remove the appendix. Left untreated, an inflamed appendix will eventually burst, or perforate, spilling infectious materials into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to peritonitis, a serious inflammation of the abdominal cavity's lining (the peritoneum) that can be fatal unless it is treated quickly with strong antibiotics

What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, often by stool, a foreign body. A blockage may also occur from infection since the appendix can swell in response to an infection in the body. Sometimes a pus-filled cavity forms outside the inflamed appendix. For this reason, almost all cases of appendicitis are treated as emergencies, requiring surgery.

Although it can strike at any age, appendicitis is rare under age 2 and most common between ages 10 and 30.but seen in later age groups

What Are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?

The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins
• Abdominal swelling
• Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Inability to pass gas

If you have any of the mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, because timely diagnosis and treatment is very important. Do not eat, drink, or use any pain remedies, antacids, laxatives, or heating pads, which can cause an inflamed appendix to rupture

The surgery is done using laparoscope and if the diagnosis is made early and open surgery can be avoided. Once the appendix ruptures or bursts, it may be necessary to convert the laparoscopic procedure to open surgery

In laparoscopic procedure, the recovery is faster with lesser pain and early return to work