3. What is Appendix?
• The appendix is
small, tube like
structure attached
to first part of large
intestine.
• The appendix is a
small pouch,
normally about 5
to 10 cm long (2 to
4 ins) and quite
thin
4. Functions
• The appendix has no known function in
humans.
• Evidence suggests that our evolutionary
ancestors used their appendixes to digest
tough food like tree bark, but we don't use
ours in digestion now.
• Whether the appendix has a function or
not, it can be removed without any ill
effects.
5. What is Appendicitis?
• It refers to the
condition
characterized by
inflammation of
the appendix.
6. • If untreated, mortality is high, mainly because of
the risk of rupture leading to infection and
inflammation of the intestinal lining
(peritoneum)
• If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can
burst and spread infection into the abdomen.
This causes a condition called peritonitis.
• Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Treatment
almost always involves removing the appendix.
Anyone can get appendicitis, but it is more
common among people between 10 to 30 years
old.
7. Symptoms
• The main symptom is pain in the abdomen. ,
often on the right side.
• Swelling in the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Inability to pass gas
• Low fever
• Not everyone with appendicitis has all these
symptoms.
8. Causes
• An obstruction. Food waste or a hard piece of stool
(fecal stone) can block the opening of the cavity that
runs the length of your appendix.
• An infection. Appendicitis may also follow an
infection, such as a gastrointestinal viral infection,
or it may result from other types of inflammation.
• In both cases, bacteria inside the appendix multiply
rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed,
swollen and filled with pus. If not treated promptly,
the appendix can rupture.
9. Pathophysiology
•
Appendix become obstructed
•
Increase intra-luminal pressure
• Decrease venous drainage, Thrombosis, Edema, and
Bacterial Invasion of Bowel Wall.
• Appendix become increasingly hyperemic, warm and
covered with exudate.
• Perforation and gangrene of appendix
10. Treatment & Management
Medical examination: The original test for
appendicitis, a simple examination of the belly
remains important in making the diagnosis.
Changes in the abdominal exam help doctors tell
if appendicitis is progressing, as well.
CT scan (computed tomography): A CT scanner
uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed
images. In appendicitis, CT scans can show the
inflamed appendix, and whether it has ruptured.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to
detect signs of appendicitis, such as a swollen
appendix.
11. Complete blood count (CBC): An increased
number of white blood cells -- a sign of infection
and inflammation -- are often seen on blood
tests during appendicitis.
• Surgery to remove the appendix, which is called
an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for
appendicitis.
12. Complications..
• If your appendix bursts, it releases pus to other parts of the
body, which can cause an infection in the abdomen called
peritonitis.
• Peritonitis is the painful swelling of the abdomen area
around the stomach and liver. The condition causes your
normal bowel movements to stop and your bowel to
become blocked.
• This causes:
• severe abdominal pain
• a fever of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or more
• a rapid heartbeat
• If peritonitis is not treated immediately it can cause longterm problems and may even be fatal
13. Preventing Appendicitis
• Studies have shown that the incidence of
appendicitis is a lot lower in countries
where a high-fiber diet is common.
• It is not known exactly why this is, but
one possible reason is that fiber makes our
stools softer, reducing the chances of them
getting stuck in the appendix.
• Foods high in fiber include:
–
–
–
wholegrain cereals, bread, rice.
vegetables, such as carrots
fruits
