Appendix
is a pouch like structure that is attached to the large
intestine. It is usually located in the lower right side of
the abdomen. There is no known function of appendix identified in
human kind. In some lower mammals the appendix is found to be a
larger organ and has some digestive function. Appendix
can get obstructed and that can result in to appendicitis. If
the early appendicitis is not identified and is not
surgically removed then the infection of the appendix can
progress to produce gangrene of the appendix. Then it can
burst in to the abdominal cavity. This allows the infection
and bacteria
to spread rapidly and a person can die from this event.
Therefore it is important to remove appendix when
appendicitis is suspected. The
signs and symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, lack of
appetite, pain around the umbilicus and pain shifting to
right lower quadrant of abdomen. Only a doctor can
diagnose appendicitis for referral to a surgeon who can
remove it. Laparoscopic
Appendectomy: For long time surgeons like myself
removed appendix by making an incision in the lower right
side abdomen cutting through the abdominal wall muscle. Due
to the advent of Laparoscopy Surgery some surgeons like
myself have adopted Laparoscopic Appendectomy
procedure in to their practice. I find that Laparoscopic
Appendectomy is easier on my patients with less
postoperative pain as the incisions are smaller and the
large area of muscle is not divided to take appendix out.
Some of my patients have gone back to school or to work in
less than 1 week.
 |
 |
| Inflamed
Appendix |
After
Appendectomy |
Next
Step: If you
suspect that you or someone you know have appendicitis then make an appointment
with Dr. Pandya in our office by calling (559) 782 8533 or contact your
doctor or go to a nearest ER for further evaluation and
management. If you
have any question regarding appendicitis then call (559) 782
8533 to make an appointment with Dr. Pandya. |
