Appendicitis - Diagnosis

Appendicitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the appendix. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, most require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock. Appendicitis - Causes. The cause of appendicitis is generally unknown, but the leading theory is that obstruction of the appendiceal orifice is the inciting factor. Obstruction may come from fecal matter lodged in the appendix, impaction ...

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• Appendicitis - Causes
• Appendicitis - Signs symptoms and findings
• Appendicitis - Diagnosis
• Appendicitis - Treatment
• Appendicitis - Prognosis

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Appendicitis can be classified into two types, typical and atypicical. The pain of typical acute appendicitis usually starts centrally (periumbilical) before localising to the right iliac fossa (the lower right side of the abdomen). There is usually associated loss of appetite and fever. Nausea, or vomiting may or may not occur. These classic signs and symptoms are more likely the younger the patient. Older patients (beyond their teenage years) may present with only one or two. Diagnosis is easier in typical acute appendicitis and surgery removes a swollen, inflamed appendix with little or no su ...

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Appendicitis, Appendicitis - Causes, Appendicitis - Signs, symptoms and findings, Appendicitis - Diagnosis, Appendicitis - Treatment, Appendicitis - Prognosis

Read more here: » Appendicitis: Encyclopedia II - Appendicitis - Signs, symptoms and findings

Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination backed by blood tests and imaging. The classical physical finding in appendicitis is diffuse pain in the umbilical region which can become localised at McBurney's point if the inflammed appendix comes into contact with the parietal peritoneum. This point is located on the right-hand side of the abdomen one-third of the distance between the an ...

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Appendicitis, Appendicitis - Causes, Appendicitis - Signs symptoms and findings, Appendicitis - Diagnosis, Appendicitis - Treatment, Appendicitis - Prognosis

Read more here: » Appendicitis: Encyclopedia II - Appendicitis - Diagnosis

The cause of appendicitis is generally unknown, but the leading theory is that obstruction of the appendiceal orifice is the inciting factor. Obstruction may come from fecal matter lodged in the appendix, impaction of mucous, a small tumor (such as a carcinoid), or even a small blood clot. Viral infections, which can cause ulceration of the lining, can also lead to obstruction of the appendix through enlargement of lymph nodes in its walls, a possible explaination for seasonal variations in rates of appendicitis and clustering of cases. Rega ...

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Appendicitis, Appendicitis - Causes, Appendicitis - Signs symptoms and findings, Appendicitis - Diagnosis, Appendicitis - Treatment, Appendicitis - Prognosis

Read more here: » Appendicitis: Encyclopedia II - Appendicitis - Causes

Appendicitis can be classified into two types, typical and atypicical. The pain of typical acute appendicitis usually starts centrally (periumbilical) before localising to the right iliac fossa (the lower right side of the abdomen). There is usually associated loss of appetite and fever. Nausea, or vomiting may or may not occur. These classic signs and symptoms are more likely the younger the patient. Older patients (beyond their teenage years) may present with only one or two. Diagnosis is easier in typical acute appendicitis and surgery removes a swollen, inflamed appendix with little or no sup ...

See also:

Appendicitis, Appendicitis - Causes, Appendicitis - Signs symptoms and findings, Appendicitis - Diagnosis, Appendicitis - Treatment, Appendicitis - Prognosis

Read more here: » Appendicitis: Encyclopedia II - Appendicitis - Signs symptoms and findings

Appendicitis can be treated by removal of the appendix through a surgical procedure called an appendicectomy (also known as an appendectomy). Often the operation can be performed via a laparoscopic approach, or via small incisions with a camera to visualize the area of interest in the abdomen. If the appendix is ruptured, a laparotomy will generally be necessary. Antibiotics are often given intravenously to help kill remaining ...

See also:

Appendicitis, Appendicitis - Causes, Appendicitis - Signs symptoms and findings, Appendicitis - Diagnosis, Appendicitis - Treatment, Appendicitis - Prognosis

Read more here: » Appendicitis: Encyclopedia II - Appendicitis - Treatment