If your appendicitis is very mild, it may be possible to treat the inflammation with antibiotics. However, in the majority of cases, the appendix will have to be surgically removed in a procedure known as an appendectomy.

Laparoscopy

In the past, when performing an appendectomy, the surgeon was required to make a large incision in the abdomen to remove the appendix. However, now a technique involving laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery) is preferred. In this technique, the surgeon will make a number of small incisions in your abdomen, through which the surgeon will insert a small tube that contains a light and a tiny video camera (a laparoscope). This allows the surgeon to see the inside your abdomen in great detail without having to make a large incision. The appendix can then be removed through the incisions.

The advantage of a laparoscopic appendectomy is that it leaves minimal scarring and the recovery time is a lot quicker than a traditional appendectomy. Most people undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy will be able to leave hospital a few days after the operation, although it may be one to two weeks before you fully recover. You need to read more about the surgical treatment. We recommend you buy Appendicitis and Its Surgical Treatment

Traditional appendectomy

There are some circumstances when a laparoscopic appendectomy is not recommended, and a traditional appendectomy, requiring a large incision, will be required. These include:

• cases where the appendix has burst,
• people who have tumours in their digestive system,
• women who are in the first trimester of the pregnancy, and
• people who have had repeated previous abdominal surgery.

A traditional appendectomy will leave a larger scar and it may be a week before you are well enough to leave hospital.

Complications of appendicitis

If your appendix bursts, it releases the infection into your abdomen which can lead to a condition called peritonitis. This is when the inner lining of your abdomen that coats the organs (the peritoneum) becomes inflamed. This lining is very sensitive to infection.

Peritonitis causes your normal bowel movements to stop and your bowel to become blocked. This causes severe pain, fever, and shock. If it is not treated immediately, it can cause long-term problems and may even be fatal.

Treatment for peritonitis usually involves taking antibiotics and being given fluids intravenously (through a vein) via a drip. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to repair any internal tearing to the infected area and to drain the peritoneal cavity.

Abscess

An abscess (collection of pus) in the abdomen is another possible complication of appendicitis. This may be located between the bladder and rectum in men and between the uterus (womb) and rectum in women. Abscesses can be treated using antibiotics. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to surgically drain the pus from the abscess by placing a tube into your abdomen.

Preventing appendicitis

Studies have shown that the incidence of appendicitis is a lot lower in countries where a high-fibre diet is common. It is not known exactly why this is, but one possible reason is that fibre makes our stools (faeces) softer, reducing the chances of them getting stuck in the appendix.

Foods high in fibres include wholegrain cereals, bread, rice, and pasta. Root vegetables such, as carrots, and fruit, are good sources of fibre.

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