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Appendicitis: Abdomen
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Appendicitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch that is connected to your colon and is located in the lower right side of your abdomen (stomach).
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A less common complication of appendicitis is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs when the inflammation surrounding the appendix causes the intestinal muscle to stop working, and this prevents the intestinal contents from passing. If the intestine above the blockage begins to fill with liquid and gas, the abdomen distends and nausea and vomiting may occur. It then may be necessary to drain the contents of the intestine through a tube passed through the nose and esophagus and into the stomach and intestine.
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When appendicitis is diagnosed your child will be admitted to the hospital for intravenous (by vein) fluids, intravenous antibiotics and an appendectomy (removal of the appendix). This operation may be done through bandaid sized incisions on the child's right lower abdomen. For some children, laparoscopy (the use of small telescopes and instruments) is the method of choice for removing the appendix. The pediatric surgeon will talk with you about the best operation for your child.
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Once diagnosed, the only treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy —surgery to remove the appendix. Like many other types of surgery today, the generally preferred surgical method is the laparoscopic method. Small incisions are made in the abdomen, through which very small video and surgical equipment is passed. The surgeon then removes the appendix with the surgical tools, using the video monitor as a guide.
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Treatment for appendicitis is removal of the appendix (appendectomy).Patients receive antibiotics both before and after surgery. In some cases, laparoscopic surgery rather than open surgery is performed. This technique involves making a few small incisions in the belly and inserting a very small camera and surgical instruments. The pediatric surgeon then removes the appendix with the instruments. An open appendectomy involves one larger incision in the lower right side of the abdomen. Regardless of which surgical technique is used, if the appendix has not perforated, most children are able to go home from the hospital within 24-48 hours and are able to return to school in one week.
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To diagnose appendicitis, your doctor will take your temperature and gently press your abdomen. Your doctor may check for a high white blood cell count to determine if you have an infection. You may ... be checked for urinary tract infections or kidney stones. Appendicitis can also be confirmed with a CT scan pf the abdomen and pelvis.
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