Appendicitis
The appendix (appendix vermiformis) a finger-shaped organ at the end of the caecum, located in the beginning of the colon in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Its length is between 6-9 cm. Although its function is not fully elucidated yet, it is known to secrete some substances related to the immune system. Its removal does not cause any dysfunction. The inflammation of the appendix is called appendicitis. It develops usually as a result of an obstruction in the base of this finger-shaped organ. It is more common between the ages of 10 and 30 years, even though it may be encountered at any age.
The closed appendicitis surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts circa half an hour. The patient should be hospitalized for one day. The surgery is carried out with thin tubes inserted through small holes, opened in the abdominal wall. This surgery is similar to open surgery in respect to the surgical characteristics, wounds, comfort and duration of hospitalization. But the cost is higher. Laparoscopic surgery is more favorable especially in patients, who have difficulties related to diagnosis or have other concomitant intraabdominal disorders and are in child-bearing age and obese.
