Appendicitis is inflammation that occurs in the appendix or appendix and can be caused by a bacterial infection. Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical diseases in the world, which requires immediate surgery to prevent complications such as a ruptured appendix (perforation). In Indonesia in 2006 a study at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, reported that appendicitis was the fourth most common cause of hospitalization due to gastrointestinal complaints during the 2003-2007 period. Appendicitis usually occurs between the ages of 5 and 45, but can occur at any age.
Causes and symptoms of appendicitis
The cause of appendicitis is usually a blockage of the appendix duct. When the intestinal tract is blocked, bacteria collect in the appendix and cause inflammation of the appendix which can later cause the appendix to rupture (perforate).
Symptoms of appendicitis are usually in the form of complaints of gastrointestinal disturbances such as abdominal pain, especially lower right, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite to fever. Especially in children the symptoms of lower right abdominal pain can be less obvious because in young children it is usually difficult to pinpoint the location of the abdominal pain. In long-standing (chronic) appendicitis, the symptoms of lower right abdominal pain usually come and go, but they can get worse over time. Symptoms of worsening appendicitis are usually marked by lower right abdominal pain that gets worse, can even become pain throughout the abdomen and high fever, usually this has occurred in appendicitis that has ruptured (perforated).
The danger of appendicitis that is not treated immediately
Complications of appendicitis, namely a ruptured appendix (perforation) is a serious matter because it can cause peritonitis, which is characterized by pain throughout the abdomen, sepsis (infection that spreads throughout the body) to death. Harry Houdini, who was a magician, died of a ruptured appendix (perforation) in 1926.
Treatment of appendicitis with laparoscopy
Fortunately, thanks to current advances in medical technology, mortality from appendicitis can be suppressed. In fact, today's technology allows for comfortable appendix surgery with minimal pain, with extraordinary cosmetic results in the form of minimal surgical scars.
Since the discovery of the lens, fiber optics, medical science has also increased, especially in surgery. By using a camera (laparoscopic), appendix removal can be performed with a surgical wound that is at least the size of a keyhole, resulting in minimal postoperative pain and fast postoperative recovery.
Recent technologies that are increasingly patient-oriented, surgeons have developed tools to be able to perform laparoscopic appendix removal through a single keyhole-sized hole through the navel. The results obtained were not only minimal postoperative pain and fast postoperative recovery, but also excellent cosmetic results, because the surgical wound the size of a keyhole was hidden in the navel so it wasn't visible. This is very satisfactory for patients, especially in pediatric patients and women.
After a laparoscopic procedure, patients are advised not to do strenuous activities such as the gym or lifting heavy equipment for at least the next 14 days after surgery.
Article written by dr. Hendry Susanto, Sp.B , (Surgeon Specialist at EMC Pulomas Hospital).