In the lower right part of the abdomen, called the appendix (appendix vermiformis), is a section of intestine in the form of an extension of the large intestine, which we can liken to a dead end. Food cannot pass through this worm-shaped organ, which has the ability to move. Its approximate length is 9-10 cm, but it may be longer or shorter. The function of the appendix in the body is not fully known, but it is a structure rich in lymph tissue. Inflammation of the appendix, usually due to blockage with fecal particles or, less likely, gallstones, tumors or intestinal worms, is called appendicitis. Serious problems occur when the appendix ruptures and the inflammatory material inside spreads to the abdominal cavity. If left untreated, it can lead to peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal membrane), which is a dangerous condition. The average incidence of appendicitis in society is around 7%. It is common in children between the ages of 6-10 and in adults between the ages of 20-30.
WHY DOES ACUTE APPENDICITIS OCCUR?
The appendix is a hollow, canal-shaped organ. Many microorganisms live in the lumen (inside) of the appendix. When the appendix lumen is blocked, its connection with the large intestine is weakened, and the microorganisms in it multiply and become disease-causing. As a result of inflammation and accumulation of microbes in the appendix lumen, intralumen pressure increases, putting pressure on the appendix wall and causing a condition called appendicitis. If the pressure within the appendix lumen increases further, the blood supply to the appendix wall is disrupted and it begins to decay and perforate. Perforation of the appendix wall is colloquially called "appendicitis burst". The result of this serious event is the development of local or widespread "peritonitis", and a life-threatening pathology may develop from this situation.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS?
- Abdominal pain,This pain starts around the navel and gradually increases and settles in the lower right part of the abdomen. It continues in the form of attacks, with its severity increasing and decreasing, and may spread to the genital areas or groin area, and sometimes to the waist.
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea – vomiting
- High fever
- Palor – palpitations
- Diarrheaor constipation&n bsp;visible
HOW IS ACUTE APPENDICITIS DIAGNOSIS?
- Physical examination, It is the most important diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of appendicitis.
- Blood tests
- Abdominal ultrasound (USG) and
- Abdominal tomography (CT)is applied when differential diagnostic is necessary, but it is not necessary for every patient,
However, the most reliable "Diagnostic tool" is the surgeon's physical examination findings
HOW IS THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS?
Acute appendicitis' The only treatment option is to remove the inflamed appendix. The name of this surgery is appendectomy. This surgery can be performed by open or closed (laparoscopic) method under general anesthesia.
Open appendectomy, The inflamed appendix is removed from the abdomen through a 4-5 cm incision made in the lower right part of the abdomen.
Closed appendectomy (laparoscopic), The inflamed appendix is removed from the abdomen with a camera and long rod-shaped instruments that enter the patient's abdominal cavity.
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