General Information About Appendicitis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the blockage, infection, and filling with pus of the small tubular organ called the cecum appendix, causing it to swell like a balloon to the point of bursting.
In most cases, the cause is petrified, hard pieces of stool called 'Fecaliths' blocking the opening of this narrow tube. Sometimes, severe infections (flu, etc.) can also block the duct by swelling the lymph nodes.
Myth: The belief that swallowing lemon or watermelon seeds blocks the appendix occurs very rarely (less than 1%); the main culprit is fecal stones.
There is a very typical history of relocation. The pain first starts as a dull stomach ache right in the middle of the abdomen (around the belly button). Within 6-8 hours, this pain gradually shifts to the LOWER RIGHT CORNER of the abdomen (above the groin) and stabs there like a knife. The patient walks by pulling their right leg towards their abdomen. Appetite is completely lost, nausea and a slight fever begin.
When the blocked organ fills with pus, pressure increases, and its wall decays and tears. The inflammation and stool spill into the abdominal cavity (Peritonitis). The moment it bursts, the patient feels relieved, saying 'My pain suddenly went away', but within hours, the abdomen becomes hard as a board, fever spikes to 40 degrees, and the patient may be lost to blood poisoning (sepsis).
When the doctor presses on the lower right corner of the abdomen (McBurney's point) and suddenly releases it, the patient feels enough pain to jump into the air (Rebound sign). White blood cells (WBC/Leukocytes) rise in the blood. A definitive diagnosis is made with an Abdominal Ultrasound or CT (Tomography) showing the swollen and inflamed organ.
There is NO treatment for appendicitis with medication or injections. The only definitive solution is EMERGENCY SURGERY (Appendectomy).
In our hospital, the Laparoscopic (Closed) Method is generally applied. Through 3 small 1-centimeter holes opened from the belly button and groin, a camera is inserted, and the swollen appendix organ is cut and removed from the body. The patient stays in the hospital for 1 night and returns home pain-free the next day.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
