The role of the appendix in the body in general is not fully understood. The appendix is very important for the immune system as it regulates the overall mechanism of the intestines. If left untreated, inflammation of the appendix is life-threatening because it affects the immune system. Appendicitis is more difficult to diagnose in pregnant women and children, so surgery is necessary. Appendicitis surgery is performed open and closed. Today, more appendicitis surgeries are performed closed.
WHAT IS APPENDICITIS?
The appendix is a piece of intestine in the large intestine, usually 3 mm in diameter and 4-6 cm in size. The function of the appendix is not known exactly, but it is important for the immune system. It is important for the regulation of the immune system. Appendicitis disease is called inflammation of the appendix. In general terms, it is characterized as appendicitis rupture. The cause of appendicitis inflammation means that the inner part of the appendix is blocked. If the pressure inside the organ rises, the nutrition of the organ is disrupted. Therefore, inflammation occurs. With the formation of inflammation, symptoms of appendicitis begin to appear and the body reacts in the general picture.
SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS
The symptoms of appendicitis are usually different for everyone.
- Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain usually occurs suddenly and feels like being punched. The pain is sudden and severe.
- Right groin pain: Right groin pain is seen intensely in appendicitis.
- Nausea and vomiting: It is among the common symptoms of appendicitis inflammation.
- Loss of Appetite: A decrease in appetite is the lack of desire to eat.
- Digestive Problems: The person has problems with the intestines in the digestive system and often has difficulty going to the toilet. It can also be very difficult for the person to pass gas in this case.
- Fever: In appendicitis, high fever can be seen in the body.
- Dry mouth: Dryness in the mouth can often occur.
WHAT CAUSES APPENDICITIS?
The cause of appendicitis is due to blockage of the inner part. The inner part of the appendix becomes blocked and as a result, strangulation of the appendix occurs. When the pressure other than the current pressure of the organ increases, its nutrition is also impaired. In this case, inflammation occurs in the appendix.
HOW IS APPENDICITIS DIAGNOSED?
When diagnosing appendicitis, the physician listens to the patient's general process in detail. Appendicitis is diagnosed with the symptoms the patient says, physical changes, blood tests and ultrasound.
However, the diagnosis of appendicitis is more difficult in pregnant women because MRI or tomography cannot be performed, so pregnant women should be examined by ultrasound. In children, appendicitis can be confused with some different diseases, so it is important for the health of the child to make the correct diagnosis. If the person uses painkillers before coming to the doctor, this makes the diagnosis to be made in blood tests difficult because the values may be different due to the drugs used. Analysis alone may not be sufficient for the diagnosis of appendicitis in children, so a detailed examination by the doctor is important.
HOW IS APPENDICITIS TREATED?
Appendicitis treatment is usually a surgical treatment. In appendicitis surgery, the appendix is removed from the body. The other name of appendicitis surgery is appendectomy.
Appendicitis surgery can be performed open or laparoscopically. Unless there is a special condition, the surgery is performed closed, i.e. laparoscopically. After closed appendicitis surgery, patients get up more quickly and can do their daily work more easily.
Appendicitis cases usually come to hospitals as emergency cases. In this case, surgeries can be performed as open surgery in some places. However, it is usually more appropriate to perform appendicitis surgery closed. Appendicitis is a condition that heals with surgery, there are rare cases that heal with medication.
