LITERATURE REVIEW ON APPENDICITIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DIAGNOSIS AND EARLY TREATMENT: A REVIEW

*Dr. Rajesh Gouri and Dr. Mayur Parmar

ABSTRACT

The appendix is a thin tail, tube or appendage growing out of the caecum, which is part of the large intestine located on the lower right side of the abdomen. The diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis are described with emphasis on the significance of ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and laparoscopic appendectomy. The diagnosis of acute appendicitis has traditionally been made by physical examination and blood tests. Appendectomy for appendicitis is the most commonly performed emergency operation in the world. Antibiotic prophylaxis is effective in the prevention of postoperative wound infection and intra-abdominal abscess. Antibiotic coverage is limited to 24 to 48 hours in cases of non-perforated appendicitis. For perforated appendicitis, 7 to 10 days of treatment is recommended. Compared with younger patients, elderly patients with appendicitis often pose a more difficult diagnostic problem because of the atypical presentation, expanded differential diagnosis, and communication difficulty. These factors contribute to the disproportionately high perforation rate seen in the elderly.

Keywords: Appendix, Appendectomy, caecum, prevention.