Appendectomy | Appendicitis Surgery Singapore

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.

What is the appendix and where is it?

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?

Some possible ways appendicitis could have developed include:

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
A sharp, sudden pain that starts from the navel and spreads into the lower right side of the abdomen
Abdominal pain that worsens in intensity when coughing and walking
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Gassiness (flatulence) & bloating
Constipation or diarrhoea
Fever, especially as the infection worsens

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 surgeon in Singapore, appendicitis surgery will prove to be a safe and efficacious one.