What is an Appendix?

The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine, located in the lower right abdomen of the human body. It doesn’t have a well-defined function in the human body, though it’s believed to produce and store good microbes in the human gut. In humans, it may have some role in the immune system, but its exact function remains unclear. It’s most known for its propensity to become inflamed, a condition called appendicitis, which can be a medical emergency requiring surgical removal of the appendix. Despite its mysterious function, the appendix has accumulated significant attention due to the health risks associated with appendicitis.

What is an Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation or infection of the appendix. The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine, located in the lower right abdomen. Appendicitis often causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and slight fever.

The exact cause of appendicitis is not always clear, but it can occur when the opening of the appendix becomes blocked, often by stool, or an infection. When the appendix becomes blocked, bacteria can multiply within it, leading to inflammation and eventually infection.

A burst Appendicitis is a medical emergency, how?

Appendicitis is considered a medical emergency because if left ignored or untreated, the inflammation causes the appendix to swell and when swelled it can rupture (burst), scattering the infection within the abdominal cavity, , leading to a condition named peritonitis. Peritonitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, and becomes necessary to remove the Appendix from the body. However, an appendix is not an essential organ, and its purpose is also a mystery and unclear.

What causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis typically occurs due to the blocking of the open appendix, leading to inflammation and infections. The factors responsible for the blockage are:

• Hardened stool, can block the opening of the appendix preventing  normal drainage and leading to inflammation
• Infection, either within the appendix itself or in the surrounding tissues, can lead to inflammation and swelling, resulting in appendicitis
• Foreign bodies, such as tumours, parasites can obstruct the opening of the appendix, triggering the appendicitis
• These are the common triggers for appendicitis, the exact cause is still unclear

What are the early signs/symptoms of Appendicitis

Some common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain: The most visible symptom of appendicitis is often pain that starts around the belly button and then moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. This pain may gradually worsen over time and become severe. 
• Loss of appetite: Many individuals may also experience loss of appetite during appendicitis
• Nausea and Vomiting: These are the common symptoms of appendicitis often accompanied by the abdominal pain
• Fever: A slight fever may occur as the body tries to fight off the infections
• Swelling or bloating: Some individuals may experience bloating or swelling in the abdomen

Appendix Treatment in Chandigarh

Appendicitis can be diagnosed through various ways such as your healthcare provider asking you questions about pain in detail. They will also perform a physical exam by gently putting pressure on the abdominal area to recognize the symptoms and may diagnose you right away. Besides this to confirm appendicitis medical tests like, blood tests, urine tests, CT scans, and ultrasound were performed.

The primary treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the inflamed appendix, a procedure known as an appendectomy. Dr. Alok Ahuja is a well-known and safe healthcare place for getting appendix treatment in Chandigarh. Surgeries are performed by highly skilled and experienced surgeons in Dr. Ahuja Clinic as early as possible after the diagnosis, to prevent complications such as a ruptured appendix, which can lead to serious infections like peritonitis.

The two main approaches to performing an appendectomy are:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy: this is a minimally invasive procedure, in this, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and surgical instruments to remove the appendix. Laparoscopic surgery often results in faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery.
• Open appendectomy: In some cases, particularly if the appendix has ruptured or if there are complications, an open appendectomy may be necessary to be performed by the surgeons. This involves making a larger incision in the lower right abdomen to remove the appendix directly.

In addition to surgery, antibiotics may be given before or after the appendectomy to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Pain medication is also prescribed to manage discomfort after the surgery.

Cost Of Appendix Treatment In Chandigarh 

The cost of Appendix treatment can vary depending on several factors such as city, hospital, medical facility chosen, and the type of treatment (Laparoscopic or Open appendectomy) performed by the surgeons. 

Generally, Appendix removal treatment is considered more affordable in comparison to many countries including Western nations. The cost ranges from approximately 20,000/- to 1,000,00/- or more depending on the above-mentioned factors.

It’s essential to consult with a hospital or a healthcare provider to get accurate pricing based on your specific requirements and medical conditions. 

How long does it take to recover from Appendectomy?

If appendicitis is diagnosed early and treated promptly with appendectomy, the recovery chances are generally good, and most people recover fully without long-term complications. However, if the appendix ruptures before surgery or if complications such as peritonitis occur, the recovery process may be extended, and additional treatment may be needed.

Contact Details 

Name – Dr Ahuja Clinic

Address – #109 sector 18 A, Chandigarh PIN 160018 (near Rotary Club)

Phone Number – +91-6284862829

Email Id – alokahujaruchirai@gmail.com