Leading Surgeon Dr Amita Jain Shares Everything you need to know about a burst appendix
The appendix is a small finger-shaped pouch at the end of the large intestine. Its function in the human body is yet not entirely known, but some scientists believe that the appendix may act as a holding tank for good gut bacteria. A human body doesn’t need the appendix to stay healthy but if the appendix swells, inflamed, and get filled with pus then immediate medical intervention is required to prevent it to get further worse and bursting inside the body.
When an appendix burst inside the body it releases the pus and bad bacteria that can cause severe medical complication and even risk the life of the patient. In this blog, India’s leading female laparoscopic surgeon Dr Amita Jain who is highly experienced and skilled in appendix removal surgeries shares what to do if someone’s appendix is ruptured.
Signs and symptoms of Ruptured Appendix
The early sign of appendicitis, which can burst or lead to a ruptured appendix, is severe pain near the belly button that gets worse with the passing of time and the pain gradually spreads to the right side of the lower abdomen. The pain can also start in the right side of the lower abdomen, where the appendix is located along with:
- Mild fever with nausea or vomiting or constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Pain that worsens when moving, breathing deeply, coughing, or sneezing.
- Pain when the area is lightly pressed.
- Pain lessens and then returns in a more severe form
- Pain is all over your abdomen
Note: during a severe appendix situation, the patient may experience the pain going away for a few hours. This happens because the rupture releases pressure but serious infection can set in quickly. A rupture can happen within two to three days after the pain starts. Thus, consulting a medical professional immediately is suggested.
Treatment of Ruptured Appendix
During an appendix rupture, the patient needs an emergency surgery called an appendectomy to remove it. The surgeon performs the appendectomy with laparoscopy, i.e., the laparoscopic surgeon makes a small incision and performs surgery with a tube and camera.
Post-surgery, the patient is given antibiotics to eradicate any remaining infection through an IV (intravenous) and later antibiotic pills when the patient goes back home.
In some cases, appendicitis leads to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. The abscess is drained before the surgery is started.
Complications of Ruptured Appendix
When an appendix bursts inside the body it releases bacteria into the abdomen. This can cause peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdomen, which can be fatal. A ruptured appendix can also pose a risk of sepsis, a life-threatening infection in the bloodstream.
The surgical complications from an appendectomy today are very rare, but may include – Infection, Abscess, Fistula, Small bowel obstruction, Ileus (a condition in which the bowel does not contract normally), and Adhesions, or scar-like tissue, inside the stomach.
Dr Amita Jain, one of the most experienced General and Laparoscopic Surgeons in Delhi, is widely recognised for her expertise in hernia, piles, gallbladder, fissure, and fistula surgeries. With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital (Delhi), Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi and Rainbow Children Hospitals (at Malviya Nagar and Panchsheel Park, New Delhi)
Dr Amita Jain has successfully performed a wide range of complex general surgeries, including both open and minimally invasive procedures, with a strong focus on trauma care, onco-surgical techniques, and reconstructive surgeries. Her medical specialisation includes – Gallbladder surgeries, appendix removal surgeries, hernia repair surgeries, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgeries, fistula surgeries and fissure surgeries.
Dr Amita Jain has also authored some of the key medical journals and publications, like ResearchGate, IJSR
Note: the articles are written with Dr Amita Jain’s professional insights and referring to her medical publications.