Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications. The condition typically begins with pain around the navel that shifts to the lower right abdomen, becoming more severe over time. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, and swelling in the abdomen. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can burst, leading to a potentially life-threatening infection called peritonitis.

The standard treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, which is the surgical removal of the appendix. This procedure can be performed using either an open or laparoscopic approach. In a laparoscopic appendectomy, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are used to remove the appendix.