Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the appendix, a small, tube-like pouch attached to the large intestine. The inflammation can be a result of obstruction due to fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia, or infection. Typically, it presents with pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, which may be preceded by central abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes fever. As the condition progresses, the pain tends to sharpen and becomes more localized. It is diagnosed based on clinical signs, laboratory tests like a raised white blood cell count (leukocytosis), and imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to serious complications such as perforation of the appendix, which can cause peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity. Standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy. This is generally performed laparoscopically as a minimally invasive procedure. In some cases, if an abscess has formed, a course of antibiotics may be administered prior to surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and to ensure a favorable outcome for the patient.