Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix or appendix, which is a part of the large intestine in the form of a tubular appendix with an average length of 8-9 cm and is located in the lower right area of the abdominal cavity. For various reasons, this organ can experience inflammation ( appendicitis ) and most often occurs in the age group of 10-20 years. This disease is very dangerous if treated too late, because the appendix can rupture, resulting in severe infection ( sepsis ) which can threaten the patient's life.
Symptoms of appendicitis.
The symptom that is often felt in people with appendicitis is a pain in the stomach. The pain is initially felt around the navel, then moves to the lower right area of the abdomen. Other symptoms felt by patients include fever, flatulence, nausea and vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. The symptoms mentioned above are usually accompanied by an increase in white blood cells ( leukocytes ) in laboratory tests.
Causes of appendicitis.
The cause of inflammatory disease of the appendix is a blockage in the cavity of the appendix so that the appendix swells and forms pus inside. The blockage can be caused by the presence of a foreign object (food, parasites, fecal stones), swollen lymphoid tissue, folded appendix, or tumor ( neoplasia ).
Treatment of appendicitis.
Patients with symptoms of appendicitis will usually undergo an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. After the diagnosis is established, the doctor will immediately provide the best treatment for the patient.
The best standard of handling cases of inflammation of the appendix is by surgical removal of the appendix ( Appendectomy ). The operation can be performed openly or laparoscopically. In laparoscopic, 3 small incisions are made to insert the camera and tools to perform the operation. Surgery with the laparoscopic technique has several advantages, including very minimal pain after surgery, shorter hospital stays, and patients can return to their original activities more quickly. Laparoscopic Appendectomy can also be performed using the SILS ( Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery ) technique. In SILS, only one small incision is needed to perform an appendectomy. This technique is superior in terms of cosmetics because the wound can be disguised in the navel, but requires experience and special techniques in doing so.
The article was written by dr. Felmond Limanu, Sp.B.SubBDig (Surgery Specialist - Digestive Surgery Sub Specialist at EMC Cikarang & Pekayon Hospital).