A0377200 (ə-pĕn′dĭ-sī′tĭs)n. Inflammation of the vermiform appendix.[New Latin appendix, appendic-, appendix (from Latin, appendage; see appendix) + -itis.]
appendicitis
(əˌpɛndɪˈsaɪtɪs) n (Pathology) inflammation of the vermiform appendix
ap•pen•di•ci•tis
(əˌpɛn dəˈsaɪ tɪs)
n. inflammation of the vermiform appendix. [1885–90, Amer.]
appendicitis
If the appendix is infected or blocked by feces it can become inflamed. If it bursts and sprays the abdomen with bacteria then the situation can be fatal.Thesaurus
Noun
1.
appendicitis - inflammation of the vermiform appendixinflammation, redness, rubor - a response of body tissues to injury or irritation; characterized by pain and swelling and redness and heat
Translations阑尾炎
appendicitis
(əpendiˈsaitis) noun the inflammation of the appendix in the body which usually causes pain and often requires the removal of the appendix by surgery. 闌尾炎 阑尾炎
appendicitis
→ 阑尾炎zhCNSeeappendicitis
appendicitis
appendicitis:
see under appendixappendix, small, worm-shaped blind tube, about 3 in. (7.6 cm) long and 1-4 in. to 1 in. (.64–2.54 cm) thick, projecting from the cecum (part of the large intestine) on the right side of the lower abdominal cavity. .....Click the link for more information..
Appendicitis
inflammation of the vermiform extension of the cecum—the appendix. Appendicitis afflicts persons of all ages (except infants). The reasons for the occurrence of appendicitis are not always clear. Microbes that are always present in the vermiform appendix may become pathogenic as a result of prolonged holding of fecal masses in the cecum and in the appendix (with certain peculiarities of location of the appendix or of its folding, etc.), of accumulation of small intestinal worms in the appendix, of obstruction of the lumen of the appendix by a foreign body swallowed with food or by a small lump of hardened feces. Sluggishness of the large intestine—that is, a tendency to constipation—fosters the development of appendicitis. The neurovascular theory explains the occurrence of appendicitis by disruption of blood circulation in the appendix resulting from irritation of the nervous system. Morbidity from appendicitis increases with abundant use of meat products, especially canned meats. Appendicitis may occur in acute or chronic form.
Acute appendicitis. The principal obligatory symptom is abdominal pain on the lower right (in the iliac area, the location of the appendix), sometimes occurring suddenly (like a stab), sometimes coming on by degrees but still very quickly. Often the pain is first felt mainly in the area of the navel and in the pit of the stomach, and only after some time does the pain move into the iliac area. Nausea is almost always present and, later, vomiting occurs. The temperature rises to 37.5°-38.5°C or remains normal, especially in persons of advanced age. Blood counts reveal moderate increases in leucocytes. In favorable cases, attacks last no more than 24 hours, then all symptoms subside. More frequently, if timely measures are not taken, the inflammation spreads to the abdominal cavity and peritonitis develops. In that case, rapid adhesion of the intestinal loops to each other and to the omentum takes place, which may halt further spread of the infection beyond the cecum (localized peritonitis). However, sharp movement by the patient and especially ingestion of a laxative threaten disruption of the formed adhesions and the development of diffuse peritonitis (sharp intensification of pain, resumption of vomiting). In the most serious cases of acute appendicitis, the appendix necrotizes (gangrenous appendicitis) or ruptures (perforative appendicitis); an enormous number of microbes enter the abdominal cavity and diffuse peritonitis immediately develops.
The treatment for acute appendicitis is immediate surgery (appendectomy). The only first aid before the arrival of a physician is complete rest. Hot water bottles, enemas, and laxatives are forbidden. Analgesics (preparations of belladonna, opium, Pantopon, morphine, etc.) are also not to be given because they obscure the picture of the disease and hinder its diagnosis. Surgery is performed in the first day of the disease. If the attack has passed without surgery, complete recovery does not occur. In the majority of cases the attack repeats itself sooner or later (relapsing appendicitis), often more severely each time. When the operation is not performed in time, an obvious delimitation of the inflammatory process occurs, and the operation is post-poned until the infiltrate formed in the abdominal cavity is reabsorbed (fixation). When the infiltrate festers (abscess in the abdominal cavity), treatment is limited to lancing it; an operation is indicated for later. In the absence of symptoms of delimitation and growing indications of peritonitis, emergency surgery is performed any time after onset of the attack.
Chronic appendicitis. The chronic form of the disease usually develops after the person has suffered an acute attack; however, primary chronic appendicitis develops gradually. Chronic appendicitis is manifested by more or less constant pain on the right side of the abdomen or in the epigastrium, sometimes spasmodically intensifying, by functional disruptions of the intestines (constipation or diarrhea), and by nausea. Short attacks (one to two hours or less) are also possible; this known as appendiceal colic. Chronic appendicitis may become acute at any moment. The treatment for chronic appendicitis is removal of the vermiform appendix.
REFERENCES
Brzhozovskii, A. G. Appenditsit. Kuibyshev, 1960.S. A. RUSANOV
appendicitis
[ə‚pen·də′sīd·əs] (medicine) Inflammation of the vermiform appendix.
appendicitis
inflammation of the vermiform appendix
appendicitis
Appendicitis
Definition
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which is the worm-shaped pouch attached to the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine. The appendix has no known function in the body, but it can become diseased. Appendicitis is a medical emergency, and if it is left untreated the appendix may rupture and cause a potentially fatal infection.
Description
Appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency found in children and young adults. One person in 15 develops appendicitis in his or her lifetime. The incidence is highest among males aged 10-14, and among females aged 15-19. More males than females develop appendicitis between puberty and age 25. It is rare in the elderly and in children under the age of two.The hallmark symptom of appendicitis is increasingly severe abdominal pain. Since many different conditions can cause abdominal pain, an accurate diagnosis of appendicitis can be difficult. A timely diagnosis is important, however, because a delay can result in perforation, or rupture, of the appendix. When this happens, the infected contents of the appendix spill into the abdomen, potentially causing a serious infection of the abdomen called peritonitis.Other conditions can have similar symptoms, especially in women. These include pelvic inflammatory disease, ruptured ovarian follicles, ruptured ovarian cysts, tubal pregnancies, and endometriosis. Various forms of stomach upset and bowel inflammation may also mimic appendicitis.The treatment for acute (sudden, severe) appendicitis is an appendectomy, surgery to remove the appendix. Because of the potential for a life-threatening ruptured appendix, persons suspected of having appendicitis are often taken to surgery before the diagnosis is certain.
Causes and symptoms
The causes of appendicitis are not well understood, but it is believed to occur as a result of one or more of these factors: an obstruction within the appendix, the development of an ulceration (an abnormal change in tissue accompanied by the death of cells) within the appendix, and the invasion of bacteria.Under these conditions, bacteria may multiply within the appendix. The appendix may become swollen and filled with pus (a fluid formed in infected tissue, consisting of while blood cells and cellular debris), and may eventually rupture. Signs of rupture include the presence of symptoms for more than 24 hours, a fever, a high white blood cell count, and a fast heart rate. Very rarely, the inflammation and symptoms of appendicitis may disappear but recur again later.The distinguishing symptom of appendicitis is pain beginning around or above the navel. The pain, which may be severe or only achy and uncomfortable, eventually moves into the right lower corner of the abdomen. There, it becomes more steady and more severe, and often increases with movement, coughing, and so forth. The abdomen often becomes rigid and tender to the touch. Increasing rigidity and tenderness indicates an increased likelihood of perforation and peritonitis.Loss of appetite is very common. Nausea and vomiting may occur in about half of the cases and occasionally there may be constipation or diarrhea. The temperature may be normal or slightly elevated. The presence of a fever may indicate that the appendix has ruptured.
Diagnosis
A careful examination is the best way to diagnose appendicitis. It is often difficult even for experienced physicians to distinguish the symptoms of appendicitis from those of other abdominal disorders. Therefore, very specific questioning and a thorough physical examination are crucial. The physician should ask questions, such as where the pain is centered, whether the pain has shifted, and where the pain began. The physician should press on the abdomen to judge the location of the pain and the degree of tenderness.The typical sequence of symptoms is present in about 50% of cases. In the other half of cases, less typical patterns may be seen, especially in pregnant women, older patients, and infants. In pregnant women, appendicitis is easily masked by the frequent occurrence of mild abdominal pain and nausea from other causes. Elderly patients may feel less pain and tenderness than most patients, thereby delaying diagnosis and treatment, and leading to rupture in 30% of cases. Infants and young children often have diarrhea, vomiting, and fever in addition to pain.While laboratory tests cannot establish the diagnosis, an increased white cell count may point to appendicitis. Urinalysis may help to rule out a urinary tract infection that can mimic appendicitis.
Key terms
Appendectomy (or appendicectomy) — Surgical removal of the appendix.Appendix — The worm-shaped pouch attached to the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine.Laparotomy — Surgical incision into the loin, between the ribs and the pelvis, which offers surgeons a view inside the abdominal cavity.Peritonitis — Inflammation of the peritoneum, membranes lining the abdominal pelvic wall.Patients whose symptoms and physical examination are compatible with a diagnosis of appendicitis are usually taken immediately to surgery, where a laparotomy (surgical exploration of the abdomen) is done to confirm the diagnosis. In cases with a questionable diagnosis, other tests, such as a computed tomography scan (CT) may be performed to avoid unnecessary surgery. An ultrasound examination of the abdomen may help to identify an inflamed appendix or other condition that would explain the symptoms. Abdominal x-rays are not of much value except when the appendix has ruptured.Often, the diagnosis is not certain until an operation is done. To avoid a ruptured appendix, surgery may be recommended without delay if the symptoms point clearly to appendicitis. If the symptoms are not clear, surgery may be postponed until they progress enough to confirm a diagnosis.When appendicitis is strongly suspected in a woman of child-bearing age, a diagnostic laparoscopy (an examination of the interior of the abdomen) is sometimes recommended before the appendectomy in order to be sure that a gynecological problem, such as a ruptured ovarian cyst, is not causing the pain. In this procedure, a lighted viewing tube is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision around the navel.A normal appendix is discovered in about 10-20% of patients who undergo laparotomy, because of suspected appendicitis. Sometimes the surgeon will remove a normal appendix as a safeguard against appendicitis in the future. During the surgery, another specific cause for the pain and symptoms of appendicitis is found for about 30% of these patients.
Treatment
The treatment of appendicitis is an immediate appendectomy. This may be done by opening the abdomen in the standard open appendectomy technique, or through laparoscopy. In laparoscopy, a smaller incision is made through the navel. Both methods can successfully accomplish the removal of the appendix. It is not certain that laparoscopy holds any advantage over open appendectomy. When the appendix has ruptured, patients undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy may have to be switched to the open appendectomy procedure for the successful management of the rupture. If a ruptured appendix is left untreated, the condition is fatal.
Prognosis
Appendicitis is usually treated successfully by appendectomy. Unless there are complications, the patient should recover without further problems. The mortality rate in cases without complications is less than 0.1%. When an appendix has ruptured, or a severe infection has developed, the likelihood is higher for complications, with slower recovery, or death from disease. There are higher rates of perforation and mortality among children and the elderly.
Prevention
Appendicitis is probably not preventable, although there is some indication that a diet high in green vegetables and tomatoes may help prevent appendicitis.
Resources
Periodicals
Van Der Meer, Antonia. "Do You Know the Warning Signs of Appendicitis?" Parents Magazine (April 1997): 49.
appendicitis
[ah-pen″dĭ-si´tis] inflammation of the appendix" >vermiform appendix, a serious disease that usually requires surgical removal (appendectomy). When performed early the operation is comparatively simple and safe. When the appendix becomes inflamed and infected, rupture may occur within a matter of hours. Rupture of the appendix leads to peritonitis, one of the most serious of all diseases, although its danger has been reduced by antibacterial agents.Appendicitis.Cause. If the tubelike appendix becomes plugged by a hard bit of fecal matter or by intestinal worms, or becomes inflamed from other causes, normal drainage cannot take place. Because the appendix is chiefly lymphatic tissue, an infection that produces enlarged lymph nodes elsewhere in the body also can increase the glandular tissue in the appendix and obstruct its lumen. Narrowing of the lumen makes the pouchlike organ more susceptible to bacterial infection. Escherichia coli and other types of bacteria multiply and cause inflammation and infection that spread to the peritoneal cavity unless the body's defenses are able to overcome the infection or the appendix is removed before it ruptures.Symptoms. The classic symptoms of appendicitis are pain, nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever in adults. Children tend to have higher fevers. The pain typically begins in the umbilical region and eventually localizes in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen over the site of the appendix. The pain is persistent and is aggravated by motion, causing the patient to bend over and tense the abdominal muscles (muscle guarding). Rebound pain occurs when the abdomen is deeply palpated and the hand is quickly removed from the abdomen. The patient also can feel pain in the area of the appendix when either a rectal or pelvic examination is done. Other data that may support a diagnosis of appendicitis are obtained through a blood cell count. An elevated white cell count (leukocytosis) commonly accompanies appendicitis as it does other kinds of inflammation. Mild leukocytosis of 14,000 to 16,000 per mm3 is common. A white cell count higher than 20,000 per mm3 suggests a ruptured appendix and peritonitis. Other diseases that can be mistaken for appendicitis are gallbladder attacks and kidney infection on the right side. The onset of pneumonia, rheumatic fever, or diabetic ketoacidosis can imitate appendicitis. In women, there is the possibility of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, a twisted ovarian cyst, or a hemorrhaging ovarian follicle at the middle of the menstrual cycle.Patient Care. When appendicitis is suspected because of symptoms exhibited by the patient, a health care provider should be notified immediately. The patient should lie down and remain as quiet as possible. It is best to give him nothing by mouth, and because of the danger of aggravating the condition and possibly causing rupture of the appendix, cathartics and laxatives are contraindicated. Applications of heat and the administration of laxatives or enemas are contraindicated for the same reasons. After the patient has been assessed and a diagnosis of appendicitis has been established, appendectomy will probably be performed as soon as possible. During the preoperative phase it may be necessary to hydrate the patient with intravenous fluid therapy, especially when there has been prolonged nausea and vomiting. Decompression of the intestinal contents by suction via a nasogastric tube is also necessary in some cases. Postoperative care is usually uneventful. The exception is when there has been a ruptured appendix; this serious condition warrants diligent and aggressive nursing care to overcome the effects of peritonitis with the resultant shifting of body fluids, hypovolemia (which can be life-threatening), and septic shock. Antibacterial drugs are administered to combat the infection. Gastric and intestinal decompression is maintained, and most surgeons advocate intraperitoneal draining by means of Penrose drains in order to prevent formation of abscesses and promote healing. The most common complications of appendectomy and peritonitis are (1) infection of the surgical wound, (2) paralytic ileus due to irritation of the small bowel, (3) abscesses, and (4) obstruction and adhesions. Ongoing assessment of the patient includes observing the type and amount of drainage from the intestinal tract via the nasogastric tube and from the Penrose drain in the wound; appearance of the surgical incision; dressings applied and the frequency with which they are changed; evidence that bowel function is returning to normal, e.g., presence of bowel sounds, passing of flatus and fecal material; measurement of intake and output; tolerance of foods and liquids once the nasogastric tube is removed and decompression discontinued; and tolerance for physical activity, coughing and deep breathing, positioning, and postoperative exercises.
ap·pen·di·ci·tis
(ă-pen'di-sī'tis), Inflammation of the vermiform appendix. [appendix + G. -itis, inflammation]
appendicitis
(ə-pĕn′dĭ-sī′tĭs)n. Inflammation of the vermiform appendix.
appendicitis
Inflammation of the vermiform appendix, most common in children.
Clinical findings Right lower quadrant pain of acute onset; rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point in right lower quadrant; fever, anorexia, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting.
Lab Increased WBCs, left shift of WBCs, increased ESR.
Diagnosis History, physical exam, ultrasound, CT.
Management Appendectomy.
Prognosis Many cases eventually rupture; regression is rare.
Complications Rupture, purulent peritonitis; if untreated, death.
appendicitis
Surgery Inflammation of the vermiform appendix which is most common in children Clinical Right lower quadrant pain of acute onset, rebound tenderness over McBurney's point in right hypogastrium, fever, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, N&V Lab ↑ WBCs, left shift of WBCs, ↑ ESR Diagnosis Hx, PE, ultrasound, CT Management Appendectomy Complications Rupture, purulent peritonitis; untreated, death. See Appendix. Cf Left-sided appendicitis.
ap·pen·di·ci·tis
(ă-pen'di-sī'tis) Inflammation of the vermiform appendix. [appendix + G. -itis, inflammation]
appendicitis
Acute inflammation of the blind-ended ‘vermiform’ APPENDIX. The condition usually starts with central abdominal pain and slight fever. Vomiting may occur. The pain then shifts to the lower right corner of the abdomen and increases in severity. It is made worse by movement or coughing. There is considerable local tenderness and either constipation or slight diarrhoea may occur. The main danger is rupture of an obstructed appendix, release of the contents into the abdominal cavity, and PERITONITIS. Treatment usually involves an operation to remove the inflamed appendix, but conservative management is sometimes appropriate. The diagnosis is not always easy. CT scanning has been found helpful.
ap·pen·di·ci·tis
(ă-pen'di-sī'tis) Inflammation of the vermiform appendix. [appendix + G. -itis, inflammation]
Patient discussion about appendicitis
Q. How is Acute Appendicitis Diagnosed? My doctor sent me to the emergency room because he thought I might have acute appendicitis. What are the symptoms and how is it diagnosed?A. The symptoms of acute appendicitis can be misleading at first, because they are very unspecific. Usually the patient arrives with abdominal pain, that is "classicaly" located in the lower right side of the abdomen. However, sometimes the pain can't be located at a certain location. The pain tends to increase within hours, and become intolerable, to a point where the patient seeks medical care. Other common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and fever. The diagnosis is usually made clinically by physical examination. In some cases a CT-scan is performed as well.
Q. What Causes Acute Appendicitis? I've heard that appendicitis is a very common situation. What causes it to happen? Is there a way to avoid it?A. Appendicitis is caused by an infection of the appendix, usually from bacterias that are already located in the abdomen. It is not a situation that can be avoided and can occur in a high prevalence in the population.
Q. What happens if you leave appendicitis alone? I have symptoms of appendicitis, but I don't want to go to the hospital. What should I do? and what could happen?A. If you have symptoms of appendicitis you should see a doctor immediately, because the major complication of an untreated appendix is rupture and infection of the entire abdomen, that can lead to generalized sepsis.
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appendicitis
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appendicitis - inflammation of the vermiform appendix