Acute appendicitis is a gastrointestinal disorder that is characterised by the sudden and severe inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch protruding from the lower right end of the large intestine. The condition requires prompt medical attention as untreated appendicitis can lead to serious complications, such as a ruptured appendix.
The exact cause of acute appendicitis is typically unclear. However, it is said to be caused by the blockage of the appendix by faecal material, infections, or enlarged lymphoid follicles. Obstructing the appendix causes increased pressure, reduced blood flow, and inflammation.
Endocrine surgeons will typically employ one or more of the following tests to diagnose acute appendicitis.
These diagnostic measures are crucial to confirm inflammation of the appendix and exclude alternative causes of abdominal pain. Early and accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis is extremely critical since the condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Acute appendicitis is a potentially fatal medical emergency that needs immediate treatment to avoid severe complications. Delayed treatment can result in a burst appendix, leading to the release of bacteria and other harmful substances into the abdominal cavity. This can result in a serious condition called peritonitis, causing widespread infection, inflammation, and even complications like septic shock and organ failure.
If you suspect appendicitis, it is crucial to swiftly seek help from a general surgery clinic or call 995 to contact a nearby hospital’s Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department. This is because timely surgical removal of the appendix is crucial to prevent complications and aid recovery.
Ace Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy Clinic offers round-the-clock emergency services for acute appendicitis cases. Patients experiencing acute appendicitis symptoms can seek medical attention at any time for diagnosis and intervention. You can call us any time of the day (24/7), and we will try to arrange an appointment or urgent operation with our endocrine and general surgeon as soon as possible.
Appendectomy, the surgical removal of the inflamed appendix, is the most common and definitive treatment for acute appendicitis. It can be done by traditional open surgery or laparoscopic/minimally invasive surgery (MIS). There are two primary surgical approaches: open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy.
Description: An incision is made in the lower right side of the abdomen to remove the inflamed appendix.
Procedure: The surgeon identifies and removes the inflamed appendix. Afterwards, the incision is closed with stitches or staples.
Recovery: Recovery time may be slightly longer compared to laparoscopic appendectomy.
Description: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally invasive procedure where tiny incisions are made, and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) as well as specialised instruments, are used for the surgery.
Procedure: The surgeon views the internal organs on a monitor and removes the inflamed appendix using the laparoscope and instruments. The small incisions result in faster recovery and less scarring.
Recovery: Patients typically experience faster recovery times, less postoperative pain, and reduced scarring than open surgery.
Rest assured, your appendix is not an essential organ. Therefore, not only will the removal of the appendix prevent possible complications from acute appendicitis, but it also typically results in no long-term side effects.
Overall, acute appendicitis, which refers to the sudden and severe inflammation of the appendix, is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. Individuals with acute appendicitis should seek urgent medical attention as soon as possible to prevent complications.
Ace Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy Clinic is skilled in managing cases of acute appendicitis. We are committed to seeing emergency cases. If you have symptoms of acute appendicitis, call us anytime, day or night, and we will strive to schedule an appointment or urgent surgery with our Senior Consultant Endocrine and General Surgeon, Dr Reyaz Singaporewalla, as soon as possible.
Dr Reyaz has over 25 years of experience in General and Endocrine-Head Neck Surgery. He gained valuable experience and training in Minimally Invasive and laparoscopic surgery as well as Endocrine (Thyroid / Parathyroid / Adrenal) and Breast Surgery under Professor Martin K. Walz and Professor Tom Lennard. Moreover, he has a proven track record in effectively treating acute appendicitis using laparoscopic appendectomy.
Acute appendicitis can affect individuals of any age. Still, certain factors may increase the risk in Singapore:
While acute appendicitis may not be entirely preventable, some measures may reduce the risk:
After successful treatment, recurrence is generally uncommon. Still, it is essential to consider the following:
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