Appendix
Dr.Kumar has more than 29 years of experience in treating patients with appendicitis and performing APPENDICULAR SURGERY,especially LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY.
He is an expert in the field of LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDICECTOMY and even in patients with complicated appendicitis,he has successfully perform laparoscopic appendicectomy in hundreds of patients.With his experience and expertise Dr.KUMAR can be considered as the best doctor for appendicitis and best doctor for laparoscopic appendicectomy.
WHAT IS APPENDIX?
The human body’s appendix also known as the vermiform appendix is a muscular and tubular organ that is joined to the large intestine near its junction with small intestine and it is usually present in the right lower abdomen.Its term vermiform which means worm shaped comes from the latin word for a small tube that resembles a worm.The appendix protudes from the cecum a pouch like structure in the large intestine at its lower end near its junction with the small intestine.
The appendix typically has a diameter of 7to 8mm and a length of 2 to 20cm with an average length of 9cm.
WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF APPENDIX ?
The appendix is rudimentary, it has lost its purpose and its now redundant and almost has no function.According to scientists and to some studies the appendix maybe a source of lymphoid cells,which aid in the body’s ability to fight infections.As a result,it may play a part in the immune system,but function is not clear.
WHAT IS APPENDICITIS?
Appendicitis is infection of the appendix and is a painful condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus, a fluid made up of dead cells and inflammatory tissue that often results from an infection.The appendix becomes large and enlarged and the infection may spread to the surrounding tissues and the appendix may become rotten and several times it may burst causing peritonitis.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF APPENDICITIS ?
A blockage in the lining of the appendix that results in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis.The bacteria multiply rapidly,causing the appendix to become inflamed swollen and filled with pus.If not treated promptly the appendix can rupture.Constipation can lead to an appendicolith in the appendix,which can lead to appendicitis.Intestinal infection can spread to appendix leading to appendicitis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS?
The site of pain may vary,depending on your age and position of your appendix and the severity of appendicitis,but most of the time the pain is in the right lower abdomen.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATION OF APPENDICITIS ?
If your appendix ruptures can cause serious complications like fecal matter spill and spill of bacteria into your abdominal cavity.A ruptured appendix can lead to painful and potentially life threatening infections including,
- Peritonitis
- Rupture
- Perforation
- Gangerous
- Abscesses
- Sepsis
PERITONITIS– If appendix bursts,the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) will become infected with bacteria.This is called peritonitis.Internal organs can also be damaged.
APPENDICULAR ABSCESSES
Abscess forms around a burst appendix.This is a painful collection of pus that forms when the body tries to fight the infection and appendix is surrounded by pus and it is an emergency situation which needs to be operated urgently.
APPENDICULAR MASS
Sometimes the surroundings intestines adhere to the appendix forming a mass.This is a late presentation of improperly treated appendicitis and many times may have to be conservatively treated with medicines and planned for interval appendicectomy later.Most of the time the appendicular mass can be diagnosed on CT scan.
WHAT ARE THE INVESTIGATION TO DIAGNOSE APPENDICiTIS
Most of the times the doctors examining the patient may clinically diagnose the appendicitis however the diagnosis of appendicitis can be confirmed by doing CT scan of the abdomen/ultrasound of the abdomen /biochemical blood investigations.Most of the time the surgeon needs to have a high degree of suspicious so that diagnosis of appendicitis is not missed.
TREATMENT
Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the inflamed appendix.Before surgery a dose of antibiotics given to treat infection.
APPENDECTOMY
LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDICECTOMY
Laparoscopic surgery (key hole surgery)entails making small incision in the abdomen and inserting a miniaturized camera and laparoscopic surgical instruments.Usually three holes may be made.The surgeon then removes the appendix with the laparoscopic instruments,eliminating the need for a big incision in the belly.The camera displays a magnified view of the region onto a monitor assisting surgeons in removing the appendix.Most of the time laparoscopic surgery is done to remove the appendix.Dr.Kumar has a large experience and he is an expert in laparoscopic appendicectomy procedure.Laparoscopy has distinct advantage of lesser pain, faster recovery, early discharge and early return to work.
OPEN APPENDECTOMY
Even though most of the times laparoscopic is done to remove the appendix very rarely sometimes open surgery maybe required to remove the appendix.
In open surgery a single larger cut is made in the lower right side of abdomen /lower midline to remove the appendix.
Open surgery is recommended when the appendix has already burst and formed a lump and complicated situation arises ,when there is widespread infection of the inner lining of the abdomen its sometimes necessary to operate through a cut along the middle of the abdomen.
Most of the time Dr.Kumar removes the appendix by laparoscopic even in most complicated cases and only rare cases open surgery is performed.
RECOVERY AFTER APPENDIX SURGERY
Usually hospitalization after surgery is around two days and patient may need to take rest for approximately five days to a week before returning to excecutive work.In a month time patient can get back to almost all types of work.Sometimes after open appendectomy the recovery period maybe longer .
DIET AFTER APPENDECTOMY
Usually after appendectomy we gradually start liquid diet and the gradually shift to soft bland diet and after a month absolutely normal diet.Advised to avoid constipation.Advised to drink lot of water and high fibre food.
TYPES OF APPENDICITIS
WHAT IS APPENDICOLITH?
A calcified deposit found inside the appendix is called an appendicolith.They can be an incidental finding on an abdominal radiograph or CT and are found in many children with acute appendicitis.Patients who have a retrocecal appendix may have an increase in incidence.
Mineral deposists and hard thick stool and constipation combine to produce the appendicolith.Appendiceal calculi,Appendiceal enterolith or Appendicular lithiasis are the other names for it.Young people and pediatric groups frequently have appendicoliths.Mens are more likely to have them found.
WHAT IS MUCOCELE OF APPENDIX
It is an obstructive dilatation of the appendix caused by intraluminal accumulation of mucoid material.
It is a fluid filled growth that develops on the mucosal membrane of the appendix.
Mucocele of appendix are caused by excessive mucous production and surgery is necessary to remove the appendix.
WHAT IS STUMP APPENDICITIS
Stump appendicitis is the inflammation of the residual appendiceal tissue after an appendectomy (removal of appendix).
This is due to reinflammation of the residual part of the appendix due to incomplete appendectomy.
APPENDICULAR CARCINOMA
Appendicular carcinoma is a type of cancer that grows from cells that made up of appendix. There are two main types of appendiceal cancer;epithelial appendiceal cancer and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer.
Epithelial appendiceal cancer grows from cells that made up the lining of the appendix.It may also be called adenocarcinoma.These cells help make a jelly-like substance called mucin.
Neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer -Enterochromaffin cells (ECs) are the source of growth in neuroendocrine tumors of appendix.ECs produce substance that aids in digestion and bowel motion,This is the most typical form of appendiceal cancer.They are also called carcinoid tumors.
Directly from the appendix,appendiceal cancer can spread to other areas of the abdomen.Generally when it ruptures.Appendiceal carcinoma can ready spread outside of the abdomen through lymph nodes.
APPENDICITIS IN PREGNANCY
The symptoms of appendicitis may be mistaken for routine discomfort from pregnancy.Pregnancy can also cause your appendix to shift upwards in abdomen,which can affect the location of appendicitis-related pain.This can make it harder to diagnose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an infection and inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to the large intestine, usually located in the right lower abdomen. When the appendix becomes blocked, bacteria can multiply inside it, causing swelling, pus formation, and pain. If not treated in time, the appendix may burst and lead to serious infection inside the abdomen. At Dr Kumar at Billroth Hospitals, we evaluate symptoms early and offer laparoscopic appendectomy for suitable patients.
What are the common symptoms of appendicitis?
Common symptoms include sudden pain in the right lower abdomen, pain that begins near the navel and shifts to the lower right side, worsening pain while walking or coughing, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. The pain location may vary depending on the patient’s age and appendix position. We recommend urgent evaluation if right-sided abdominal pain becomes severe or persistent, because delayed treatment can increase the risk of rupture.
What causes appendicitis?
Appendicitis usually happens when the appendix becomes blocked. This blockage may occur due to hardened stool, appendicolith, constipation, intestinal infection, swelling of tissues, or other causes. Once blocked, bacteria multiply inside the appendix, leading to inflammation and pus formation. We diagnose the condition through clinical examination, blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, and medical history when needed.
Is appendicitis an emergency?
Yes, appendicitis can become an emergency if the appendix is severely infected or at risk of rupture. A burst appendix can spread infection inside the abdomen and cause peritonitis, appendicular abscess, or appendicular mass. These complications may require urgent treatment and can become serious if ignored. We advise patients not to delay consultation when symptoms suggest appendicitis.
What is laparoscopic appendectomy?
Laparoscopic appendectomy is a keyhole surgery used to remove the infected appendix. Small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a camera with specialised instruments is used to remove the appendix safely. In suitable patients, laparoscopic surgery may offer less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery, early discharge, and quicker return to work compared to open surgery. Dr Kumar has extensive experience in laparoscopic appendectomy, including complicated appendicitis cases.
When is open appendix surgery needed?
Open appendectomy may be needed in rare or complicated cases, such as when the appendix has burst, there is widespread infection, or an appendicular mass has formed. In open surgery, a larger incision is made to remove the appendix and clean the infected area if required. Although we commonly perform laparoscopic appendectomy, we recommend open surgery when it is safer for the patient.
How long does recovery take after appendix surgery?
Recovery depends on whether the surgery is laparoscopic or open and whether the appendicitis was simple or complicated. Hospital stay is usually around two days, and patients may need five days to one week of rest before returning to desk work. Most patients can return to many normal activities within a month, while open surgery or complicated cases may need longer recovery.
What diet should I follow after appendectomy?
After appendectomy, we usually start with liquids and gradually move to soft, bland foods. Over time, most patients can return to a normal diet. We may advise drinking enough water, avoiding constipation, and including fibre-rich foods once digestion improves. Diet instructions may vary based on the patient’s recovery, bowel movement, infection severity, and surgical approach.
Can appendicitis happen during pregnancy?
Yes, appendicitis can occur during pregnancy, but it may be harder to diagnose because symptoms can resemble normal pregnancy discomfort. The appendix may also shift upward as pregnancy progresses, changing the location of pain. We take abdominal pain during pregnancy seriously and recommend timely evaluation, because untreated appendicitis can be risky for both mother and baby.
Why choose Dr Kumar for appendix treatment in Chennai?
We provide expert appendicitis diagnosis and appendix surgery at Dr Kumar at Billroth Hospitals. Dr Kumar has more than 29 years of experience and is skilled in laparoscopic appendectomy, including many complicated cases. Our focus is early diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment where suitable, safe surgical care, faster recovery, and clear post-operative guidance for patients.