Understanding Appendicitis
The appendix is a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected — a medical emergency that requires prompt surgical treatment. Dr. Raman Garg at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda, specializes in laparoscopic appendectomy — the most advanced, minimally invasive treatment for appendicitis.
Appendicitis affects people of all ages but is most common between ages 10–30. It is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Early diagnosis and timely surgery are critical to prevent life-threatening complications like rupture and peritonitis.
Warning Signs of Appendicitis
Seek emergency care immediately if you notice:
- Pain starting around the navel, migrating to the right lower abdomen
- Pain that worsens progressively over hours
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low-grade fever (38–39°C)
- Loss of appetite
- Tenderness when pressing the right lower abdomen
- Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or deep breathing
How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?
- Clinical examination — McBurney's point tenderness, Rovsing's sign, Psoas sign
- Blood tests — elevated WBC count indicates infection
- Urine test — rule out urinary tract infection or kidney stones
- Ultrasound abdomen — visualize inflamed appendix
- CT scan abdomen/pelvis — most accurate, especially in atypical cases
- Alvarado score — clinical scoring system for appendicitis probability
Laparoscopic Appendectomy — The Gold Standard
Dr. Raman Garg performs laparoscopic appendectomy under general anaesthesia using just 3 small incisions (each 5–10mm). A camera (laparoscope) is inserted to visualize the appendix, which is then safely removed using specialized instruments.
Laparoscopic (Preferred)
- 3 tiny incisions (5–10mm)
- Less pain post-op
- Hospital stay: 1–2 days
- Back to work: 7–14 days
- Minimal scarring
Open Surgery (Conventional)
- Single larger incision (5–10cm)
- More post-op pain
- Hospital stay: 3–5 days
- Back to work: 3–4 weeks
- Visible scar
Complications of Untreated Appendicitis
- Perforation (rupture) — occurs in ~20–30% of cases if delayed beyond 48–72 hours
- Peritonitis — infection spreads to entire abdominal cavity, life-threatening
- Appendicular abscess — walled-off pus collection requiring drainage
- Sepsis — systemic infection spreading through bloodstream
Recovery After Appendectomy
After laparoscopic appendectomy, most patients:
- Start liquids the same evening or next day
- Resume normal diet within 2–3 days
- Are discharged in 1–2 days
- Can walk and perform light activities within days
- Return to office work in 1–2 weeks
- Resume full physical activity in 4–6 weeks
