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What is appendicitis?
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped tube attached to the large intestine on the lower right side of the belly. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, usually caused by a blockage (by hard stool, swollen lymph tissue or, rarely, a growth) followed by infection.
Without treatment, pressure builds and the appendix can burst (perforate), usually within one to three days, spilling infection into the abdomen. That's why appendicitis is treated as an emergency.
Symptoms
- Pain that starts around the navel and, over hours, moves to the lower right belly
- Pain that gets worse with walking, coughing or bumps in a vehicle
- Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
- Low-grade fever
- Constipation or, sometimes, loose stools
- In children, the elderly and pregnant women, symptoms may be less typical
Causes and risk factors
Appendicitis can happen at any age, but is most common between about 10 and 30 years. It is not caused by any particular food, and it isn't contagious. A low-fibre diet may play a small role. There is usually no way to predict or prevent it, which is why recognising the symptoms early matters.
Other conditions can cause similar pain on the lower right side: kidney stones, urinary infection, ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy in women, and in India, intestinal TB. That's why a proper examination and tests are important.
When to see a doctor
Belly pain that keeps getting worse over several hours, especially on the lower right side, needs same-day assessment. Don't take strong painkillers or laxatives and wait. Come to the hospital or call 93196 62944; we are open 24×7.
- Pain spreading across the whole belly, or a rigid belly
- High fever, repeated vomiting, fast heartbeat
- Sudden relief of pain followed by worsening (possible rupture)
How appendicitis is diagnosed at Samrijo
- Examination by the surgeon, available round the clock.
- Blood tests in the in-house lab: white cell count and markers of inflammation; a pregnancy test in women of child-bearing age.
- Urine test to rule out infection or stones.
- Ultrasound, often the first scan, especially in children and women.
- CT scan when the diagnosis is unclear.
Treatment options
What to expect
Before
Nothing to eat or drink; IV fluids, pain relief and antibiotics are started. The surgeon explains the operation and takes your consent.
During
Under general anaesthesia, laparoscopic surgery usually takes under an hour for uncomplicated cases.
After
Walking and fluids start soon after. Many people with uncomplicated appendicitis go home within one to two days. After a burst appendix, the stay is longer and antibiotics continue.
Care at home
- Keep wounds clean and dry; follow the dressing advice given.
- Walk several times a day; avoid heavy lifting and strenuous sport for a few weeks.
- Eat light, normal meals as your appetite returns, and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take all prescribed antibiotics and painkillers as directed.
- Return if you develop fever, worsening pain, vomiting, swelling, or redness or pus from the wound.
The tissue removed is usually sent for examination; your surgeon will share the report at the follow-up visit. Rarely, it shows something that needs further attention, which is one reason follow-up matters.
Children usually bounce back quickly; most return to school within one to two weeks after uncomplicated surgery.
Appendicitis in children
Appendicitis is the most common reason children need emergency abdominal surgery. Young children often can't describe where it hurts. Warning signs include belly pain with vomiting, not wanting to eat, fever, walking bent over or refusing to jump, and pain when the car goes over a bump. Children's appendices can burst more quickly, so don't wait overnight to see if the pain settles. Bring your child to be examined. Ultrasound is usually the first scan for children, as it avoids radiation.
Myths and facts
- "Eating seeds or guava causes appendicitis." There is no good evidence that particular foods cause it.
- "A painkiller or antacid will settle it." These can hide the pain while the appendix gets worse. Get checked first.
- "If I have surgery, I will have a big scar." Laparoscopic surgery uses two or three small cuts that usually fade well.
- "Removing the appendix affects immunity." People live healthy, normal lives without an appendix.
Why choose Samrijo Hospital
- 24×7 emergency surgery: appendicitis doesn't wait for OPD hours.
- Laparoscopic expertise under Dr. Arun Kumar Patel (MBBS, MS General Surgery).
- Lab and imaging in the same building for faster decisions.
- Close to home for families in Burari and North Delhi.
Cost of appendix surgery
Cost depends on whether the appendix is simple or burst, laparoscopic or open surgery, length of stay, antibiotics, tests and insurance cover. Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.
अपेंडिक्स का ऑपरेशन, बुराड़ी, दिल्ली
अपेंडिक्स बड़ी आँत से जुड़ी एक छोटी, उँगली जैसी नली है, जो पेट के दाहिनी ओर नीचे होती है। इसमें सूजन और संक्रमण को अपेंडिसाइटिस कहते हैं। दर्द अक्सर नाभि के आसपास शुरू होकर कुछ घंटों में दाहिनी ओर नीचे चला जाता है, और चलने या खाँसने पर बढ़ता है। भूख न लगना, उल्टी और हल्का बुखार भी हो सकता है।
इलाज में देर होने पर अपेंडिक्स फट सकता है, जो ज़्यादा ख़तरनाक है। इसलिए ऐसे दर्द में घर पर दर्द की दवा लेकर इंतज़ार न करें। Samrijo Hospital, बुराड़ी में 24×7 जाँच और लैप्रोस्कोपिक (दूरबीन) ऑपरेशन की सुविधा है। सामान्य मामलों में ज़्यादातर मरीज़ 1–2 दिन में घर जाते हैं, पर रिकवरी हर व्यक्ति में अलग होती है।
तुरंत सलाह के लिए कॉल करें: 93196 62944।
Frequently asked questions
Can appendicitis be treated with antibiotics instead of surgery?
In some carefully selected patients with mild, uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics alone may settle the infection. However, a proportion of these people have appendicitis again later. Surgery remains the standard treatment in most cases. Your surgeon will explain the options that are safe for you.
What happens if the appendix bursts?
A burst (perforated) appendix spreads infection into the abdomen (peritonitis), which is more serious. It usually needs surgery with washing out of the abdomen, a longer course of antibiotics and a longer hospital stay.
How long after appendix surgery can I go back to school or work?
After uncomplicated laparoscopic surgery, many people return to school or desk work in about one to two weeks. After a burst appendix or open surgery, recovery takes longer. Recovery varies from person to person.
Do we need the appendix?
The appendix may play a small role in gut immunity, but people live normal, healthy lives without it.
Is appendicitis more dangerous in children, older people or pregnancy?
Symptoms can be less typical in young children, older adults and pregnant women, so diagnosis may be delayed and bursting is more likely. Any persistent belly pain in these groups should be checked promptly.
What does appendix surgery cost?
It depends on whether the appendix is simple or burst, laparoscopic or open surgery, the length of stay and tests. Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.
अपेंडिक्स के दर्द की पहचान कैसे करें?
दर्द अक्सर नाभि के आसपास शुरू होकर कुछ घंटों में पेट के दाहिनी ओर नीचे चला जाता है और बढ़ता जाता है। साथ में भूख न लगना, उल्टी और हल्का बुखार हो सकता है। ऐसे दर्द में तुरंत डॉक्टर को दिखाएँ।
क्या अपेंडिक्स का ऑपरेशन दूरबीन से होता है?
हाँ, ज़्यादातर मामलों में लैप्रोस्कोपिक (दूरबीन) अपेंडेक्टॉमी की जाती है, जिसमें 2–3 छोटे छेद होते हैं। कुछ जटिल मामलों में खुली सर्जरी की ज़रूरत पड़ सकती है।
Related treatments
This page is for general health information only. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Every patient is different, so please consult a qualified doctor about your own condition and treatment. Medical disclaimer.