Leading Surgeon Dr Amita Jain Shares Everything you need to know about a burst appendix
The appendix is a small finger-shaped pouch at the end of the large intestine. Its function in the human body is yet not entirely known, but some scientists believe that the appendix may act as a holding tank for good gut bacteria. A human body doesn’t need the appendix to stay healthy but if the appendix swells, inflamed, and get filled with pus then immediate medical intervention is required to prevent it to get further worse and bursting inside the body.
When an appendix burst inside the body it releases the pus and bad bacteria that can cause severe medical complication and even risk the life of the patient. In this blog, India’s leading female laparoscopic surgeon Dr Amita Jain who is highly experienced and skilled in appendix removal surgeries shares what to do if someone’s appendix is ruptured.
Signs and symptoms of Ruptured Appendix
The early sign of appendicitis, which can burst or lead to a ruptured appendix, is severe pain near the belly button that gets worse with the passing of time and the pain gradually spreads to the right side of the lower abdomen. The pain can also start in the right side of the lower abdomen, where the appendix is located along with:
- Mild fever with nausea or vomiting or constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Pain that worsens when moving, breathing deeply, coughing, or sneezing.
- Pain when the area is lightly pressed.
- Pain lessens and then returns in a more severe form
- Pain is all over your abdomen
Note: during a severe appendix situation, the patient may experience the pain going away for a few hours. This happens because the rupture releases pressure but serious infection can set in quickly. A rupture can happen within two to three days after the pain starts. Thus, consulting a medical professional immediately is suggested.
Treatment of Ruptured Appendix
During an appendix rupture, the patient needs an emergency surgery called an appendectomy to remove it. The surgeon performs the appendectomy with laparoscopy, i.e., the laparoscopic surgeon makes a small incision and performs surgery with a tube and camera.
Post-surgery, the patient is given antibiotics to eradicate any remaining infection through an IV (intravenous) and later antibiotic pills when the patient goes back home.
In some cases, appendicitis leads to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. The abscess is drained before the surgery is started.
Complications of Ruptured Appendix
When an appendix bursts inside the body it releases bacteria into the abdomen. This can cause peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdomen, which can be fatal. A ruptured appendix can also pose a risk of sepsis, a life-threatening infection in the bloodstream.
The surgical complications from an appendectomy today are very rare, but may include – Infection, Abscess, Fistula, Small bowel obstruction, Ileus (a condition in which the bowel does not contract normally), and Adhesions, or scar-like tissue, inside the stomach.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi