APPENDIX
Appendix
The appendix is a thin blind-ending tube, located at the junction of the large and small intestine. It is about 9 cm in length and 6 mm diameter, located in the lower-right abdomen.
The exact function of the appendix remains unknown; but infections and diseases in the appendix cause extreme, unbearable pain and is sometimes proven to be fatal if left untreated. The two most widely treated conditions of the appendix are appendicitis that is an inflammation of the appendix and carcinoid, which is a tumor of the appendix.
Appendicitis:
Appendicitis is a condition wherein the appendix becomes swollen, inflamed and filled with pus. It causes severe pain that usually starts in the navel region and then spreads to the right lower abdomen. If left untreated, the pain amplifies and the inflammation increases causing the appendix to burst and leading to severe sepsis.
Symptoms:
- Pain around your bellybutton
- Pain in the right lower abdomen
Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
Treatment:
Laparoscopy:
Also known as keyhole surgery or a minimally invasive surgery (MIS), laparoscopy involves the use of a tube called a laparoscope, which has a tiny video camera and a light at the end of it. This is inserted into the abdomen through a cannula, enabling the surgeon to view the insides of the abdomen on a monitor outside. With small movements and tiny instruments, the appendix is carefully removed through very small incisions made in the abdomen. There is minimal blood loss in this surgery and it is very precise. Recovery time is faster when compared to open surgery with also less scarring.
Carcinoid:
Carcinoid tumors are usually of neuroendocrine origin, a specialized hormone-secreting cell group. Carcinoid tumors often asymptomatic and can spread to other parts of the body. Surgery is the treatment of choice for localized disease.
Surgery:
The most common course of action for appendicitis is surgery. The surgeon will remove the entire organ usually through laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery).