Acute appendicitis

The appendix is an annex of tubular shape at the beginning of the large intestine. Inflammation of the appendix is known as acute appendicitis, although the appendix has no known function, it can be very painful and a surgical emergency which requires removal and removal. This happens in 7% of the general population at some point in their life.

• Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the abdomen or belly button.
• Coughing pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Light fever.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Abdominal distension.
• Important to know that not all patients have symptoms and still have acute appendicitis.

In cases of pregnancy, the location of pain depends on the trimester in which the patient is.

Dr. Adalberto Peña recommends consulting with a doctor when severe abdominal pain occurs or any of the symptoms mentioned.

Immediate medical attention is required because the appendix can be perforated, filling bacteria and pus to the body and with great chances of infection in organs and skin.

• Standard treatment: Surgery to remove the appendix.
• Laparotomy appendix surgery: An open surgery is performed on the abdomen approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). Traditional way.
• Laparoscopic appendix surgery: small incisions are made in the abdomen and a camcorder is inserted for removal with the help of specialized surgical instruments.

• Fasting for at least 8 hours.
• You can brush your teeth and rinse your mouth in the morning.

Recovery when surgery is laparoscopic is quick and recommended.

Instructions:

• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Being at rest as long as possible can cause discomfort when you get up or move.
• Eat healthy.
• You can do sports once after 1 month and having the doctor’s authorization.

Do I have appendicitis?
Please request our form to identify if the symptoms correspond to appendicitis.

Will I need more analysis?
If the symptoms are very evident, blood tests, urine tests and diagnostic imaging tests such as abdominal radiography, ultrasound, tomography or magnetic resonance imaging will be done.

Do I need to have surgery? and how long?
When you have inflammation of the appendix, you should attend immediately.

What are the risks of having my appendix removed?
It is a surgical procedure and the risks are studied and individually decreased for greater success of the surgery.

How long should I stay in the hospital after surgery?
It does not require intensive care or stay in the hospital. It can leave the same day of the operation or in 24 hours, it depends on each patient and their associated diseases.

How long will the recovery take?
It depends on each patient, usually 2 to 3 weeks.

How long after surgery can I return to work?
Once you feel well, painless and can move freely usually in 5 to 7 days.

Can you tell me if the appendix burst?
Yes, we have a way to see if the appendix burst through abdominal ultrasound, blood studies and doctor’s examination.

Dr. Adalberto Peña specializes in appendix surgery with extensive experience and together with his team that have 25 years of experience.