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(03) 9852 3777
info@dralexcraven.com.au
3/195 Thompsons Road, Bulleen VIC 3105
Appendicitis is when the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed. A blockage often causes this inflammation and can lead to severe pain and, if untreated, life-threatening complications. Appendicitis is a common emergency requiring prompt surgical intervention, particularly among children, teenagers, and young adults.
An appendicectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, typically performed when a patient has appendicitis. It’s considered the most effective treatment to prevent the appendix from rupturing, which can lead to a potentially dangerous spread of infection within the abdomen. Today, most appendicectomies are performed laparoscopically, a minimally invasive approach allowing quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain.
Appendicitis is a common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in Australia. Roughly 1 in 15 Australians will experience appendicitis at some point, with a peak incidence between ages 10 and 30. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has noted that around 50,000 Australians undergo an appendectomy each year. While typically not preventable, timely diagnosis and surgery can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
It’s essential to seek medical attention quickly if you experience these symptoms, as appendicitis can worsen rapidly.
Appendicitis often occurs when the appendix becomes blocked by stool, a foreign body, or in some cases, a tumor. Infections can also lead to inflammation and obstruction, causing the appendix to swell and eventually rupture if untreated.
To confirm appendicitis, doctors may recommend several diagnostic tests, including:
If appendicitis is left untreated, the appendix can rupture, leading to peritonitis (infection in the abdominal cavity), abscesses, or severe sepsis, which are potentially life-threatening. Timely appendectomy is crucial to prevent these serious complications.
The most common treatment for appendicitis is surgery. There are two main types:
After surgery, patients are typically advised to limit physical activity for a few weeks, with recovery times varying based on the surgery type and the patient’s condition.
For more information or to book a consultation with Dr Craven, please call us on (03) 9852 3777 or email us at info@dralexcraven.com.au.
Appendicitis cannot be prevented, but a balanced fibre-rich diet may reduce the risk of blockage.
Recovery varies but most patients will need to stay for 1 or 2 nights in hospital, then recovery over 1–3 weeks for laparoscopic procedures and up to 6 weeks for open surgery.
The appendix does not have an essential function, so most people experience no long-term health issues after its removal.
If the appendix ruptures, it requires immediate treatment, often with antibiotics, followed by surgery to prevent serious complications.