The 7th of February, 2010, Sunday, has marked a significant date in my dairy. I was admitted to a hospital (KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital, Shah Alam) for an appendicitis surgery, which is known as a laparoscopy. It took me for a 4D3N stay in the hospital after the appendix has been removed. To make sure I have a full appendicitis recovery, the doctor has given me a 2-week medical leave before I could start work officially on 21st February 2010. In short, I experienced the most relax Chinese New Year holidays :)Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery
How does a laparoscopic appendicitis surgery work? Basically, the doctor starts by making several small abdominal incisions. Then he will insert a laparoscope into the area. This is a tube-shaped device that has a video camera on the end. The video camera allows the surgeon to see what your abdomen looks like from the inside. The picture is displayed on a video monitor that is close by. Using the video as a guide, the doctor continues the laparoscopic appendicitis surgery by removing the appendix with several sets of small instruments.
Appendicitis
The appendix is an organ that does not have an official purpose. Sure, there are theories surrounding why nature put it there in the first place, but for the most part scientists don't know.
Besides, when people get the appendix removed due to appendicitis they seem to live just fine. But there is a problem... the appendicitis itself. If a person doesn't get their appendix removed in time when it is inflicted with appendicitis, they can die.
So, what exactly is appendicitis, and what are the symptoms a person can look for? Appendicitis is when the appendix becomes inflamed for no apparent reason. It can happen to anyone at any time, though it tends to strike more when an individual is between the ages of 10 and 30. As far as symptoms, the most signature one is pain in the abdomen. It should be noted that appendicitis pain is not like the type of pain you get from gas or indigestion. It is very excruciating and can debilitate a person. Laying on one's side with their knees towards their chest can ease the pain a little bit, but for the most part the only way appendicitis pain can be gotten rid of is through removal of the appendix.
What happens if a person does not go to the doctor and get the appendix removed when appendicitis initially attacks? The consequences are dire, as the appendicitis will progress to a point that it causes the appendix to burst. And although this rupture may result in immediate relief from the initial appendicitis pain, it is a condition that can be very deadly. This is because when the appendix ruptures, it releases pus and infectious organisms into the abdominal cavity.
The result could be the formation of an appendiceal abscess. This is the body's way of trying to wall off the harmful contents that were released due to the advanced appendicitis. However, such protection won't last long as the abscess can also burst, resulting in peritonitis. Either way, it is important to get treated way before appendicitis gets to such a point.
If appendicitis is caught before the organ bursts, diagnosis is pretty positive, though the situation is still serious. On the other hand, treating peritonitis can be more difficult. Surgery may be needed to remove the abscess.. if a patient is well enough to undergo surgical intervention. If not doctors will prescribe antibiotics to try and get rid of any infections that may have occurred due to the burst appendix.
In conclusion, appendicitis is a very serious illness that cannot be taken lightly. If you or a loved one have any unusual abdominal pain, go to the Emergency Room as soon as possible. It is a lot easier treating appendicitis before the appendix bursts, than treating it afterwards. So, don't wait. Going to the Emergency Room at the right time could mean the difference between life or death for the appendicitis victim. Indeed, appendicitis is definitely not a disease that can be messed around with.
Source from http://www.appendicitissymptoms.org/
