Appendicitis
What is Appendicitis and How Is It Treated?
Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. In fact, about 1 in 20 people (around 2%) in the United States will experience it at some point in their lives. It can happen to both children and adults.
What and Where Is The Appendix?
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine. While it may play a small role in the immune system early in life, it is not essential. People live completely normal lives without it.
What Causes Appendicitis?
Appendicitis happens when the appendix becomes blocked—often by stool, enlarged lymph tissue, or other debris. Once blocked, bacteria multiply inside, causing swelling and infection. If untreated, the appendix can rupture, leading to a serious infection inside the abdomen.
Symptoms to Watch For
Because a ruptured appendix can make people very sick, doctors sometimes remove the appendix even if we aren’t 100% certain, just to avoid missing it.
- Sudden pain starting near the belly button and moving to the lower right side
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
Surgery: Robotic Appendectomy
Appendectomy is the removal of the appendix. At Inspire Bariatrics, we often perform this surgery using a robotic approach, which offers several advantages:
- Smaller and fewer incisions (usually three tiny cuts, about 1 cm each, placed on the left side of the abdomen)
- Precision and control with robotic instruments
- Excellent visualization of the appendix and surrounding structures
- Best tool in the room if the appendix has already ruptured or the case becomes more complex
Recovery After Surgery
- Return to work or school: usually within 3–7 days
- Avoid heavy lifting or straining: for 1–2 weeks depending on the size of the incision used to remove the appendix
- Hospital stay: most patients go home the same day or next day. If the appendix has ruptured, the hospital stay may be longer.
Life Without an Appendix
- There are no lasting effects from losing the appendix. You can eat, exercise, and live normally without it.
Dr. Peery's Advice
“Bottom line: If you develop sudden right-sided abdominal pain, don’t wait. Appendicitis can worsen quickly. With robotic surgery, recovery is typically fast, and patients are safely back to their lives within a week.”
-Dr. Peery
Get Started Now
At Inspire Bariatrics, we not only provide comprehensive weight loss care, but also offer expert surgical services. Dr. Curtis Peery is an experienced robotic surgeon and is happy to help with your surgical needs.