All About Appendicitis: Symptoms, Surgical Treatment, and Recovery

Your appendix is a small pouch attached to your large intestine. It’s not essential to life, but about one in 1,000 Americans experiences appendicitis, or an appendix infection, in their lifetimes.

Appendicitis comes on suddenly, causing intense abdominal pain and putting you at risk of some serious complications. It can happen to anyone, and it’s important to learn about the symptoms and what you should do if you think you might have it.

Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, specializes in diagnosing and treating appendicitis

at North Tarrant Health Providers in Fort Worth, Texas. Here’s what you need to know about this common condition, from initial symptoms to treatment and recovery.

Recognizing the symptoms of appendicitis

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of appendicitis. The pain usually starts near your belly button and moves toward the lower right side of your abdomen. In many cases, the pain is intense, and it can get worse when you move or cough.

Other symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Abdominal swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Appendicitis can quickly become a medical emergency and lead to serious complications.

Complications of Appendicitis

If appendicitis is left untreated for too long, your appendix could rupture. This rupture can spread infection to other parts of your abdomen and lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called peritonitis.

Other complications of appendicitis can include abscesses and bowel obstruction. You can significantly reduce or avoid these complications by seeking medical care as soon as symptoms appear.

Surgical treatment for appendicitis

The best treatment for appendicitis is typically surgery. If you’re diagnosed with appendicitis, Dr. Sambandam performs an appendectomy to remove your appendix. In most cases, we schedule surgery as soon as possible after your diagnosis to prevent your appendix from rupturing and causing further complications.

There are two main types of appendectomy: laparoscopic and open surgery. Dr. Sambandam uses laparoscopic surgery whenever possible, because this method is less invasive. It involves making several small incisions in your abdomen and using a small camera and surgical instruments to remove your appendix.

Recovering from appendicitis surgery

Appendectomy typically takes about one hour. We observe you after surgery to ensure you’re recovering well, then you’re free to go home. 

It’s important to follow Dr. Sambandam’s instructions for a successful recovery, which may include:

• Resting and avoiding strenuous activities for a few weeks
• Taking pain medication as prescribed
• Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated

You can expect to return to most of your normal activities within a few weeks, but it may take longer for more physically demanding activities. We give you specific instructions for your recovery, and we’ll monitor your progress with follow-up appointments.

When appendicitis strikes, it’s important to act quickly. Surgery is a very effective treatment, and our team is available to help you understand your options. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 817-904-4165 to learn more today.