The Appendix and Appendicitis
Overview
The appendix is part of the large intestine and is considered a remnant organ. This means it has no function, and removing it has no effect on the patient’s future life. The appendix is typically ‘hanging’ from the cecum, which is the first part of the colon, to the pelvis.
A blockage caused by solid food debris or a fecalith, or a viral or bacterial infection that causes inflammation, are the most frequent causes of acute appendicitis. Symptoms vary from patient to patient because the location of the appendix also greatly varies. Typical symptoms include acute abdominal pain, which is initially diffuse around the navel and slowly over time becomes more localized to the right side of the lower abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, fever, which may be high if the appendix has ruptured, and generally feeling unwell.
Diagnosis
To diagnose appendicitis, your doctor will perform a physical examination, and may recommend blood tests or imaging studies such as an abdominal ultrasound and an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan.
Treatment
Treatment for appendicitis involves surgery to remove the appendix. This can usually be done laparoscopically, meaning through a few very small incisions. If the appendix has ruptured and formed an abscess, open surgery may be required, and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.
Why GMI
At the GMI, our medical team of internationally acclaimed physicians guide each patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care. Our patients will partner with internationally recognized surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating appendicitis, and who are trained in the latest medical treatments, with excellent results, and who work with state-of-the-art equipment in brand new operating rooms.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports our patients by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative medical services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
