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1994-01-17
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$Title{Appendicitis}
A Medical Times Patient Education Chart
(C) Romaine Pierson Publishers, Inc.
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Appendicitis
Appendicitis begins when the appendix becomes blocked or kinked. The
obstruction may be followed by bacterial infection. Typically, the first
symptom of appendicitis is pain around the navel. Loss of appetite, nausea,
and vomiting may follow. After several hours, the pain usually shifts to the
lower right abdomen; but because the appendix moves around quite a bit within
the abdomen, the pain may be anywhere. The point of extreme tenderness, which
usually marks the approximate location of the base of the appendix, is called
McBurney's point.
If the infected appendix is not removed surgically, it may burst,
spreading the infection throughout the abdominal cavity. If the appendix does
burst and is left untreated, peritonitis (which is an inflammation of the
lining of the abdomen) may result with or without formation of an abscess (a
collection of pus). This is a serious complication which may lead to death.
An appendectomy (the surgical removal of the appendix) is a common, safe
operation with almost uniformly good results. The average case--if caught
before the appendix ruptures--requires a hospital stay of only about a week.