Appendicitis

Appendicitis, acute abdominal condition caused by infection or obstruction of the appendix. The appendix is a worm-shaped (vermiform) organ located in the lower right side of the abdomen. It projects from the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine. Although the frequency of appendicitis is highest among young adults, the ailment can affect persons of any age.

Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes infected and filled with pus. Typical symptoms are a generalized abdominal pain that tends to become localized in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, tenderness over this area of the appendix, and nausea and vomiting. The pulse rate increases, body temperature is moderately elevated, and the number of circulating white blood cells often increases. However, some people, particularly the elderly, may not experience all the typical symptoms.

Treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix, called an appendectomy. The incision for an appendectomy is made directly over the location of the appendix, which the surgeon then removes. The surgical risk in an uncomplicated appendectomy is extremely small.

An infected appendix may become gangrenous and rupture. Its contents then leak into the abdominal cavity causing peritonitis, an inflammation of the lining of the cavity. Peritonitis is responsible for most deaths from appendicitis. Rupture may also result in bacteria in the blood stream or inflammation of the kidney veins, which may cause death.