APPENDICITIS Introduction Abdominal pain can

Appendicitis consists of an inflammation of the appendix, which is a small part that hangs down from the large intestine, near the joining of the small intestine. Appendicitis is a common cause of sudden abdominal pain and surgery in the United States (except for trapped hernias, it is the most common). It is most prevalent from ages 10 years to 30 years, and around 1 in 500 have appendicitis per year (Merck, Ch. 9; NIDDK, 2000, p. 1).

Causes are not understood. It is found that in most cases, a blockage of some type, inside the appendix, may result in the appendix becoming infected and inflamed. It may be due to a viral infection in the digestive tract or the blockage of a stool in the tube connecting the large intestine and the appendix. If the inflammation is not treated and it continues, it may result in a rupture. This rupture then spills the intestinal contents, which are bacteria-laden, into the abdomen. This results in peritonitis and may lead to a life-threatening infection. An abscess may also form due to t

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4 hours once symptoms begin and delays awaiting confirmation of diagnosis can be fatal. In around 15% of surgical procedures, the appendix is normal and the doctor then attempts to determine the actual cause of pain. The appendix is usually removed in these cases. Early operations lead to very low death rates. Convalescence is quick and the patient leaves the hospital in a couple of days. A ruptured appendix is more serious. Antibiotics are used, repeated operations may be necessary, and convalescence may be long. With the advent of this treatment, the death rate is almost zero (Merck, Ch. 9; NIDDK, p. 1-3). The appendix does not appear to serve any purpose and people live normally once it is removed. Currently doctors are beginning to use laparoscopic surgery for the appendectomy. Several tiny cuts are made in the abdomen and a miniature camera and surgical instruments are inserted. These instruments remove the appendix and a large incision is not necessary (NIDDK, p. 2) Differential Diagnoses Diagnosis for appendicitis needs to rule out other possibilities that present acute abdomen pain and similar symptoms. For example, laboratory tests may reveal hemoconcentrations and leukocytosis, however, abdominal x-ray
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