Appendix

What is Appendicitis?

It is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus, causing pain. The appendix is a pouch-like structure attached at the start of the large intestine that has no known purpose.

What are the symptoms?

Typically patients present with pain in the right lower abdomen or the peri umbilical area with nausea, vomiting, high grade fever and loose motions. Sometimes they may present as chronic dull aching pain in the abdomen.

What are the treatment options?

Patients usually require surgery for removal of the appendix. Surgery involves either a conventional open surgical approach or the almost scarless minimal access technique by laparoscopic approach for removal of the appendix.

Open or Laparoscopic surgery: which is better?

Both approaches have their own pros and cons. However the laparoscopic surgery is better considering the shorter recovery times and the lesser pain associated after the procedure.