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 is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced female surgeons and proctologists, known for her unmatched expertise in general, advanced laparoscopic, and laser proctology surgery. With over 30 years of surgical excellence, Dr Amita Jain has built a reputation for precision, compassionate care, and advanced surgical techniques.
Dr 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 Jain, currently serves as Senior Consultant and Head of Department (General, Laser, Proctology and Laparoscopic Surgeries) across premier medical networks in South Delhi:
Daffodils by Artemis Hospitals: Spring Meadows, East of Kailash, New Delhi. Book Appointment
Fortis C-DOC Hospital: B-16, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi. Book Appointment
Rosewalk Luxury Multi-Specialty & Maternity Hospital: Panchsheel Park, New Delhi. Book Appointment
Rainbow Children’s Hospital: Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Book Appointment
Learn More about Dr Amita Jain.
Dr Amita Jain has also authored some of the key medical journals and publications, like ResearchGate, IJSR
Note: This article is written and reviewed by Dr Amita Jain, while referring to her medical journals and publications.