APPENDICITIS

It is an inflammation and obstruction of the vermiform appendix. The partial or complete blockage of intestinal lumen, though which Gastrointestinal contents cannot pass. Most often occurs in the small intestine.

TYPES OF APPENDICITIS: A. Acute Appendicitis - It is considered to be the most common cause of abdominal pain and distress in children and teenagers worldwide. - It refers to complete obstruction of the vermiform appendix

B. Chronic Appendicitis - It is usually refers to a milder form of the illness and almost unperceivable symptoms this may include inflammation of the vermiform appendix with recurring attacks of right-sided abdominal pain over an extended period of time.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS: Abdominal pain Anorexia after the onset of pain Nausea or Vomiting Fever Change in bowel sounds

CAUSES: Viral infection Worm infestation Foreign Body Tumor Mucus

INFLAMMED APPENDIX
Inflammation of the appendix avoids itself in acute and chronic states and affects both the sexes uniformly.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY:

Appendix - It is a small tissue forming a tube-shaped sac and attached to the lower end of the large
intestine.

Transverse Colon - It is the part of the colon between the right and left colic flexures. It may extend somewhat transversely across the abdomen, but more often sags centrally, frequently to subumbilical levels. Descending Colon - It is the part of the colon extending from the left colic flexure to the pelvic brim. Sigmoid Colon - It is the part of the colon describing an S-shaped curve between the pelvic brim and the third sacral segment; it is continuous with the rectum. Ascending Colon - It is the portion of the colon between the ileocecal orifice and the right colic flexure. Rectum - The terminal portion of the digestive tube, extending from the rectosigmoid junction to the anal canal. (Perineal flexure).

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Mucosal ulceration of the appendix triggers inflammation, which temporarily obstructs the appendix. The obstruction blocks mucus outflow. Pressure in the now-distended appendix increases, and the appendix contracts. Bacteria multiply, and inflammation and pressure continue to increase, restricting blood flow to the pouch and causing severe abdominal pain. NURSING MANAGEMENT: Goals: Relieving pain, preventing fluid volume deficit, reducing anxiety, eliminating infection, maintaining skin integrity, and attaining optimal function. Prepare the patient for surgery, includes an IV infusion and antibiotic therapy. Investigate pain reports, noting locations, duration, intensity and characteristics. Position the patient in a high-Fowlers position. Move patient slowly and deliberately. Provide comfort measures like back rub and deep breathing. Instruct patient in relaxation or visualization exercises. Maintain nothing-by-mouth status until surgery.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT: Immediately surgery is typically indicated if appendicitis is diagnosed. Administer antibiotics and IV fluids as prescribed by the physician. Appendectomy is performed as soon as possible.

APPENDECTOMY is a surgical removal of the appendix. Surgical intervention involves removal of the appendix within 24 to 48 hours of onset of the manifestations. The surgery can be performed through a small open incision or a laparoscope. When the operation is performed in time, the mortality rate is less than 0.5%. Delay usually causes rupture of the organ and resultant peritonitis.