Treating Appendicitis
Appendicitis is caused by an infected appendix and requires appendectomy surgery. Here's more information on appendicitis and appendectomy.
Transcript: Treating Appendicitis
What Is the Appendix?
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch of tissue located at the lower right side of the abdomen. Although it branches off from the first section of the large intestine, the appendix plays no vital role in the elimination of digestive wastes.Causes of Appendicitis
The appendix can become diseased from bacteria that are present in the intestinal tract. When infected, the appendix becomes swollen and inflamed, causing the extreme pain of appendicitis.Symptoms of Appendicitis
Symptoms can include pain and tenderness near the navel area that moves toward the right lower abdomen. Nausea and vomiting, low-grade fever, and constipation or diarrhea often accompany the pain.Who Does Appendicitis Affect?
Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of emergency abdominal surgery in children. It is more common in males than in females, and the incidence of this condition peaks in the late teens and early twenties.What Is an Appendectomy?
An inflamed appendix is usually surgically removed during an emergency procedure called an appendectomy. Delay in treatment could cause the appendix to rupture, resulting in a serious infection.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.
