Treatment of Appendicitis

In general, anyone suffering from appendicitis should have their appendix removed immediately, as if the condition is left untreated there is a high risk of rupture and subsequent peritonitis (a serious infection of the membrane lining that covers the intestinal tract and surrounds the organs in the abdomen). This can result in infection so widespread that the patient dies.

The procedure is known as an appendectomy, and may be carried out by traditional open surgery, using a single long abdominal incision. After the appendix is removed, the incision is closed using stitches or clips. The patient is given painkillers, antibiotics and fluids through a drip.

Alternatively, an appendectomy may be performed as part of a laparoscopic procedure, in which the surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a thin cable with a video camera and light source) into the abdomen through a cannula (a flexible tube). The camera enables the surgeon to view a magnified view of the inside of the abdomen on a monitor. They then remove the appendix using tiny instruments inserted through one or two small abdominal incisions.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure that enables patients to heal faster with less scarring. However, it cannot be used in cases where the appendix has burst, as the surgeon will need to clean out the entire abdominal cavity.