What is Appendicitis?

The appendix is a small tube-like organ attached to the large intestine in the right lower abdomen. When it becomes inflamed and infected (usually due to blockage), the condition is called appendicitis. Untreated appendicitis can rupture, spreading infection to the abdominal cavity.

Symptoms

  • Pain starting around the belly button, then moving to the right lower abdomen
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Low-grade fever (may rise if complications develop)
  • Tenderness in the right lower abdomen
  • Pain worse with movement, coughing, or pressing

Note: Pain patterns can vary in children, pregnant women, and elderly patients.

When to Seek Care

Emergency: severe abdominal pain, especially with fever, vomiting, or worsening tenderness. Do not delay evaluation.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical examination
  • Blood tests (elevated white blood cell count typical)
  • Ultrasound of abdomen
  • CT scan in unclear cases

Treatment

Appendicectomy (Surgical Removal)

Definitive treatment for acute appendicitis.

Coordinated surgical care. At Shri Manmukund Hospital, appendicectomy is performed by expert visiting modern surgical specialists who partner with our practice. Emergency evaluation, diagnostic workup, admission, and post-operative care are provided by our team; the surgical procedure is performed by a specialist with dedicated training. This allows patients to receive urgent surgical care at the same trusted facility without needing to transfer to a different hospital.

Open Appendicectomy: through a small incision in the right lower abdomen. Laparoscopic Appendicectomy: through small ports with camera and instruments.

Choice depends on presentation, complications, and case-specific factors.

  • Duration: 30 to 90 minutes
  • Admission: 1 to 3 days
  • Recovery: return to office work in 1 to 2 weeks, physical activity in 3 to 4 weeks

Antibiotics

Sometimes used as initial treatment in selected uncomplicated cases, but surgery is usually recommended for definitive care.

Recovery

  • Rest for 1 to 2 days
  • Gradual return to activity
  • Light diet initially
  • Return to office work: 1 to 2 weeks
  • Follow-up at 1 week

Complications of Untreated Appendicitis

  • Perforation (rupture)
  • Abscess formation
  • Peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity)
  • Sepsis in severe cases

Early treatment prevents these.