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What is appendictis?
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It usually happens when the appendix gets blocked by stool, a foreign body, or swelling of nearby tissue. If not treated quickly, the appendix can burst and cause serious infection in the abdomen.
Appendicitis Q&A
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Appendicitis?
Appendicitis can cause:
- Sudden pain that often starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side
- Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or pressing on the area
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Swelling in the abdomen
How is Appendicitis diagnosed?
At Sonoran Surgical, Dr. Rohit Sahai diagnoses appendicitis with:
- Medical history and physical exam, including checking for tenderness in the lower right abdomen
- Blood tests to look for signs of infection
- Imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of pain
How is Appendicitis Treated?
The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy).
- Robotic/Laparoscopic appendectomy: Uses small incisions and a camera to remove the appendix, usually with quicker recovery. Dr Rohit Sahai specializes in minimally invasive appendix surgery.
- Open appendectomy: A larger incision is made, typically if the appendix has burst or infection has spread.
- Antibiotics may be used before surgery or in certain cases, but surgery is the most reliable treatment.
If you have sudden, severe abdominal pain or other symptoms of appendicitis, seek medical care right away, as untreated appendicitis can be life-threatening.