Understanding Appendectomy | Symptoms, Causes, Methods

What is the Appendix?

The appendix is a small, finger-like appendage that sits at the juncture of the small and large intestines. The appendix is thought to have no purpose due to its cause of death when infected and the general good health of those who have had it removed. There have been no reports of impared immune or gastrointestinal functions.

What is an Appendectomy?

When clotting occurs in the blood vessels of the appendix, it must be treated. In extreme cases Appendectomys are conducted to remove the effected appendix. The appendix is removed under two types of surgeries, one is an open appendectomy the other is a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Symptoms of the Appendectomy Procedure:

Symptoms of a possible appendectomy include tenderness in the lower abdomen, loss of appetite, fever and nausea. Since the function of the appendix is to remove harmful germs, ideally the appendix should be treated and retained through antibiotic medicine. Care must be taken during treatment to avoid the appendix bursting causing peritonitis, which is an infection of the abdomen. Doctors look for an elevated white blood cell count, and rebound tenderness for a diagnosis of appendicitis.

Check out the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse Appendicitis Directory

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