Appendicitis - Know Essentials Care Before Operating It!

Appendicitis, also commonly referred to as epityphlitis, is generally an inflammation that is triggered by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Since the appendix happens to empty into the colon with lesser efficiency and because the lumen is also small, it experiences some form of obstruction, being otherwise vulnerable to infections. This then manifests in the form of a primary factor that causes appendicitis. The pain that generates from this affected region remains localized primarily within the right lower quadrant of your abdomen.

The inflamed appendix then gradually fills up with pus. Appendectomy is considered to be the only curative procedure to treat a case of appendicitis. Pre-operative care is always stressed upon immensely so as to provide the best results to the patients:

1. Complete bed-rest and relaxation is suggested to patients once the symptoms have been put under the light of clinical examination.
2. Intubation is then provided if necessary.
3. Patients also require to fast during the period right before the operation.
4. Antibiotics must be prescribed in order to prepare the patient for surgery.
5. Radiological and laboratory examinations are then carried out.
6. Blood sugar levels must be established to decide if the patient is ready to undergo surgery or not.
7. Patients who have any previous record of hypertension may be prone to experiencing some amount of anxiety right before the operation itself. If such a case arises, the surgery might be cancelled to avoid any incidence of complications.
8. Mental preparation must be taken by the patient himself since psychological and physiological stress has a way of jeopardizing the operation.
9. Presence of friends and family helps immensely to stabilize and relax the patients.
10. The patient must be explained the very nitty-gritty of the surgery and how it’s going to take place so that he may not face anxiety.
11. A sedative might be introduced to the patient to help him relax.

Along with the aforementioned factors, a number of things need to be taken care of if the question of appendicitis arises. Since operations are primarily carried out as emergency surgeries, there is little that can be done at the last moment itself. Ensure that the person has an empty stomach and is stable enough to undergo the procedure.