COMMON SURGICAL EMERGENCY
Appendicitis
A condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and infected — causing severe abdominal pain that begins around the navel and shifts to the lower right side, often needing urgent surgical removal.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Appendicitis
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-like organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. It is one of the most common surgical emergencies and can affect any age group, especially adolescents and young adults. Inflammation usually begins when the appendix becomes blocked by stool, swollen lymphoid tissue, or rarely a foreign body, leading to bacterial overgrowth, swelling, and infection. Classic symptoms include pain around the navel that shifts to the lower right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, and loss of appetite. If untreated, the appendix can rupture, causing peritonitis or abscess formation — a life-threatening situation. Prompt surgical removal is the standard treatment. Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs urgent laparoscopic appendectomy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Blockage of the appendix by stool or undigested debris
- Swollen lymphoid tissue from a recent viral or bacterial infection
- Inflammation due to inflammatory bowel disease
- Worm infestation in some cases
- Rarely, tumours blocking the appendix opening
- Family history that may slightly increase the risk
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Acute simple appendicitis or Complicated (perforated, abscess, peritonitis).
Laparoscopic Appendectomy, Open Appendectomy, Drainage of Appendicular Abscess.
3 small cuts, less pain, quicker discharge and very small scars.
Most patients are discharged in 24–48 hours and back to work within a week.
Early surgery prevents rupture and life-threatening complications.
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs laparoscopic appendectomy — the gold-standard treatment for appendicitis. The inflamed appendix is removed through 3 small keyhole incisions, ensuring minimal pain, very small scars, a short hospital stay, and a quick return to normal life. Most patients are discharged within 24 to 48 hours.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Tejasree assesses symptoms, performs a clinical examination, and confirms the diagnosis using ultrasound or CT scan along with blood tests.
- 2
Treatment Planning
For most patients, urgent laparoscopic appendectomy is planned. In selected complicated cases with abscess, drainage may be done first, followed by surgery.
- 3
Procedure
Laparoscopic appendectomy is performed under general anaesthesia using 3 small incisions, usually completed within 30–45 minutes.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Most patients are discharged within 24–48 hours, with light activity in 2–3 days and full return to work within a week.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Gold-standard keyhole surgery to remove the appendix through 3 small incisions — minimal pain, quick recovery and excellent cosmetic outcome.
Open Appendectomy
Conventional open surgery through a small incision in the lower right abdomen — used in select complicated cases or specific situations.
Drainage of Appendicular Abscess
Image-guided or surgical drainage of an abscess formed around a perforated appendix — followed later by interval appendectomy when safe.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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