Appendix Surgery

The most common cause is a blockage of stool called a fecalith. This blocks stool and mucus production from the appendix and causes pressure to build uo within the appendix. This can subsequently cause a lack of venous return or even arterial flow to the appendix itself. Occassionally, a tumor may present with symptoms of appendicitis.

Symptoms of Appendicitis:
The symptoms of appendicitis vary by patient. Classically, patients start out with a loss of appetite, followed by abdominal pain around the navel, which then moves to the right lower quadrant. Subsequently, the patient may have nauseam vomiting or fever.

Diagnosis of Appendicitis:
Appendicitis is traditionally a clinical diagnosis. Additionally, blood work and imaging like a CT scan helps in confirming the diagnosis.

Treatment of Appendicitis:
Traditionally, appendicitis is treated surgically. In a selected group of patients, management with admission for IV antibiotics has been studied recently with positive outcomes.