March 10, 2026 Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix . The causes of acute appendicitis are not completely known. It is known that it can be caused by an obstruction of the appendix lumen, leading to the multiplication of microorganisms and the appearance of inflammation and infection. Treatment for acute appendicitis most often involves a surgical procedure called appendectomy, which consists of removing the appendix. Acute appendicitis is common and can have serious complications if not treated in time; It is more common in teenagers and young adults, but it can occur at any age. What is the appendix? The appendix is a small, thread-like structure located in the cecum (beginning of the large intestine), near the junction with the small intestine. On the body surface, it is usually located in the lower right region of the abdomen. No essential function of the appendix in the human body is known; therefore, its removal does not have long-term consequences. Symptoms and diagnosis of appendicitis The main symptoms of acute appendicitis are: Abdominal pain, which usually begins diffusely near the navel and then becomes more intense and localized in the lower right side of the abdomen. It usually worsens with coughing or movement;; Nausea; Vomiting; Lack of appetite; Bowel changes, such as constipation or diarrhea;; Fever. It is important to know that these symptoms are not exclusive to appendicitis. They can appear in other diseases, and not all of them always appear, nor in the same order. Therefore, in addition to symptoms, the diagnosis of appendicitis is also based on a physical examination performed by a doctor, and often complementary tests are necessary, such as blood and urine tests, abdominal ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. Treatment In most cases, when the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is confirmed, removal of the appendix by surgery (appendectomy) is indicated. This surgery can be performed in two ways: Open surgery, with a larger incision; Laparoscopic surgery, performed with small incisions and the aid of a camera. This technique is the most commonly used today because it allows: Faster recovery; Smaller scars and better aesthetic results. When the diagnosis is made early and the minimally invasive technique is used, the hospital stay is usually short (1 to 2 days) and the impact on the patient's routine is reduced. In some specific situations, treatment may begin with antibiotics administered intravenously (into the vein), with surgery being performed only later. Complications of appendicitis If appendicitis is not treated in time, the appendix can perforate and cause complications that can be serious and even life-threatening: When the appendix perforates, its contents can spread within the abdomen, leading to an infection called peritonitis or the formation of an abscess (accumulation of pus); If microorganisms enter the bloodstream, a generalized infection called septicemia can occur. Fortunately, this complication is rare nowadays, thanks to early diagnosis and treatment. Even after surgery, because the appendix is connected to the intestine, an abscess can form post-operatively. This is rare (less than 10% of cases) and is usually treated with antibiotics administered intravenously, without the need for further surgery. The importance of medical follow-up Maintaining good communication with the surgeon is essential to quickly identify any signs of complications and ensure effective treatment. Meet the general surgery clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
