Digestive Disorders Health Center

Understanding Appendicitis -- Treatment

How Do I Know If I Have Appendicitis?

Diagnosing appendicitis can be tricky: Time is critical, yet symptoms are frequently vague or extremely similar to other, less urgent ailments, such as bladder infection, colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, gastroenteritis, and ovary problems. 

Appendicitis can often be diagnosed by your doctor gently pressing on your lower right abdomen, which will be the maximum point of tenderness. A urine test will also be performed to rule out a urinary tract infection. Appendicitis can cause rectal pain instead of abdominal pain, so your doctor will also examine your rectum by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger. A blood test will show if your white blood cell count is elevated, an indication that your body is fighting infection. CT scans and ultrasound are fast and reliable -- though not perfect -- in revealing appendicitis.

What Are the Treatments for Appendicitis?

Surgery to remove the appendix, which is called an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for appendicitis.

Conventional Medicine for Appendicitis

If your doctor suspects appendicitis, he or she will likely quickly remove the appendix to avoid its rupture. If the appendix has formed an abscess, you may have two procedures, one to do a CT guided drainage of the pus and fluid, and a second one to remove the appendix eight to 12 weeks later. This delayed surgery is called an interval appendectomy.

Antibiotics are given before an appendectomy to fight possible peritonitis, or infection of the abdominal cavity's lining. General anesthesia is given, and the appendix is removed through a short incision in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. If you have peritonitis, the abdomen is also drained of pus. Within 12 hours of surgery, you may get up and move around. You can usually return to normal activities in two or three weeks. If surgery is done with a laparoscope (a thin telescope-like instrument for viewing inside the abdomen), three to four smaller incisions are made and recovery is faster.

At-Home Care After an Appendectomy

After having your appendix removed, keep your incision clean to promote healing and avoid infection.

How Can I Prevent Appendicitis?

There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis is less common in people who eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.