Medical Director
Senior Consultant, General & Colorectal Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Appendicitis refers to the inflammation and infection of the appendix, and is a relatively common condition. In most cases, it is an acute case of appendicitis, which is a medical emergency that warrants immediate surgery to remove the appendix before it ruptures.
The appendix is a small, tube-shaped pouch attached to the colon (large intestine) located at the lower right side of the abdomen. Its exact function is still inconclusive, and its removal also does not seem to have a negative impact on one’s health.
What causes Appendicitis?
- Infection in the digestive tract, whether viral or bacterial in nature
- The tube joining the colon and the appendix becomes blocked by faeces
- Presence of tumour(s) in the area
What You Should Look Out For
- A sharp, sudden pain located at the lower right side of the abdomen
- Fever, especially as the infection worsens
- Abdominal pain that worsens in intensity when coughing and walking
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gassiness (flatulence) & bloating
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- A sharp, sudden pain that starts from the navel and spreads into the lower right side of the abdomen
If you experience symptoms of appendicitis, especially sharp abdominal pain, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Prompt treatment can prevent life-threatening complications.
Acute Appendicitis: A Medical Emergency
As acute appendicitis progresses very quickly; if left untreated, the inflamed and pus-filled appendix could rupture in as soon as 36 hours after symptoms appear. When the appendix ruptures, it will release infected material into the abdominal cavity, which is a life-threatening emergency. If not treated in time, this can result in peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), or sepsis - both of which can cause serious illness or even death.
To prevent such complications from developing, immediate surgery will be needed in order to remove the appendix and clean out the abdominal cavity thoroughly. This is why seeking prompt medical attention upon the onset of symptoms is so important - so that one may have their inflamed appendix removed well before it potentially ruptures.
Singapore Appendicitis Surgery
Surgery to remove the appendix is known as an appendectomy, a very common emergency procedure and the standard of care for appendicitis. An appendectomy in Singapore may be done in two ways: open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.
Today, a laparoscopic appendectomy is more common, which offers eligible patients the advantages of smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, lower risk of complications and a faster recovery. In the hands of an experienced colorectal surgeon in Singapore, appendicitis surgery will prove to be a safe and efficacious one.
Our Appendicitis Specialist
Dr Chew Min Hoe
Medical Director
Senior Consultant, General & Colorectal Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Chew Min Hoe, a skilled appendicitis surgeon in Singapore, offers minimally invasive laparoscopic appendectomy for improved patient outcomes.
His leadership roles, including former President of the Society of Colorectal Surgeons, Singapore, and founding Head of Surgery at Sengkang General Hospital, highlight his expertise. Dr Chew also contributes to the medical field through numerous publications and presentations at international conferences.
Our Motto
Caring Hearts, Educated Minds, Skilled Hands
Orchard
3 Mount Elizabeth #16-09, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,Singapore 228510
Tel:+65 6518 4688
Fax:+65 6235 0897
Mon-Fri:8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat / PH Eve:8:30am - 12:00 noon
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
Farrer Park
1 Farrer Park Station Road Connexion,#08-07 Farrer Park Medical Centre,Singapore 217562
Tel:+65 6518 4868
Fax:+65 6443 6616
Mon-Fri:8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat / PH Eve:8:30am - 12:00 noon
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
