Appendectomy - series - Indications

Indications:

If the appendix becomes infected (appendicitis), the infected appendix must be surgically removed (emergency appendectomy) before a hole develops in the appendix (perforation) and spreads the infection to the entire abdominal space (peritonitis).

Symptoms of acute appendicitis include:

• Pain: abdominal pain (located in the lower right side)
• Fever (elevated temperature)
• Reduced appetite (anorexia)
• Nausea; vomiting

The doctor will:

• Check your abdomen for tenderness and tightness
• Check your rectum for tenderness
• Check your blood for an increase in white blood cells (WBC)
• Perform a pelvic exam in women, to exclude pain caused by the ovaries or uterus

If your doctors are uncertain about the diagnosis, they can perform a computed tomography (CT) scan to see if the appendix is inflamed.