• Appendix location - in the lower right abdomen, at the junction of the small intestine and large intestine • Appendix function – is not exactly known
• Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix
• The causes for the appendicitis are Blockage of the lumen of appendix (most commonly by faeces) or Infection (or rarely Trauma)
• Pain of appendix generally starts – near navel / upper abdomen / right side of abdomen • Loss of appetite • Nausea & Vomiting • Constipation or Diarrhoea • Inability to pass gas • Low grade fever
Appendix can be diagnose by - • Ultrasound • CT Scan • Biochemistry
• Rupture / Perforation of appendix – may spread infection throughout the abdomen (peritonitis) • Appendicular abscess/ tumor • Gangrene of appendix
• Operation / Surgery - Removal of Appendix which is known as Appendicectomy • Preferably this is done through keyhole surgery or laparoscopy • Rarely antibiotics are used to treat the milder form of appendicitis