Treatment Overview
The only treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy). The goal is to remove the appendix before it ruptures and spreads infection to the abdomen (peritonitis).
This procedure is normally performed as an emergency procedure, when the patient is suffering from acute appendicitis. In the absence of surgical facilities, intravenous antibiotics are used to delay or avoid the onset of sepsis.
In an open appendicectomy, the abdomen is prepared and draped and is examined under anaesthesia. If a mass is present, the incision is made over the mass, otherwise, the incision is made over McBurney's point, one third of the way from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the umbilicus; this represents the position of the base of the appendix . The various layers of the abdominal wall are then opened. The appendix is identified, mobilized and then ligated and divided at its base.
Some surgeons choose to bury the stump of the appendix by inverting it so it points into the caecum. Each layer of the abdominal wall is then closed in turn.
If your appendix has burst and there is infection in your abdomen, you may have to stay in the hospital longer. Your treatment will include intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics. Surgery for a burst appendix may be more complicated.. After you have your appendix removed, the doctor may leave the incision (cut) open to heal from the inside to the outside. You may also have a drain placed within the wound to help drain the infection.
You will also have to stay in the hospital longer if you have health problems that get worse after surgery.
Sometimes a doctor will recommend surgery even if he or she is not sure you have appendicitis. Surgery can eliminate the chances of a ruptured appendix. If you have surgery and your appendix is normal, your appendix will still be removed so that it will not cause future problems.
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