A Quick Guide to Appendix Surgery

Appendix surgery NYC is one of the most common forms of surgery; it is also one of the safest. The appendix sits where the large and small intestines meet. It is a thin tube which is roughly four inches in length and in most people, it sits in the lower right abdomen.

We still don’t know for sure what the function of the appendix is, but we have several theories. One theory is that the role of the appendix is to hold bacteria, to essentially ‘reboot’ the digestive system following a bout of diarrhea. Others believe that the appendix is an evolutionary hangover from our past when our diet was vastly different to today. It may have held digestive enzymes, which we no longer need as we have mastered the art of cooking food.

Conditions of The Appendix

The most common problem with the appendix is appendicitis. For reasons that we do not fully understand, the appendix can become inflamed and ultimately rupture. The most obvious symptom of this is an intense pain in the lower abdomen, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Tumours of the appendix are rare but, fortunately, because a patient can easily survive without an appendix and without any impact on their quality of life, the prognosis is generally good so long as the cancer hasn’t metastasized. Carcinoid tumors periodically chemicals, which cause flushing, wheezing, and diarrhea. The other type of tumors found in the appendix is epithelial tumors, which are growths on the appendix that do not secrete chemicals.

Appendectomy

Surgery to remove the appendix is known as an appendectomy and remains the only treatment for appendicitis that we know of. Traditionally, this surgery was performed by making a large incision in the patient’s abdomen to gain access to the appendix, but by using modern laparoscopic techniques, the surgeon only needs to make a small incision through which instruments can be used to cut the appendix into smaller pieces for removal. Surgery is also required to remove any tumors.

Other Treatments

While awaiting confirmation of a diagnosis, many doctors prescribe antibiotics to patients with a potential appendicitis, just in case the symptoms are being caused by an infection. It is also possible, albeit rather rare, for antibiotics to alleviate appendicitis. There is some evidence that in such cases patients are at a significant risk of relapse.

Our clinic, with its team of dedicated and talented surgeons, offers the best appendix surgery NYC, so contact us for a consultation.