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Which side is the appendix on? – this question usually arises in the context of sudden and acute abdominal pain due to unknown causes. However, locating the appendix will not always help diagnose the problem. Appendicitis is often manifested by pain radiating to other parts of the abdomen.
The appendix is also known as the blind bowel. This name is not accidental as the appendix takes the form of a blind tube that extends from the large intestine segment. The standard length of the appendix is 8 to 10 cm, although it happens that this organ can reach up to 20 cm. The appendix is placed between the intestinal loops, close to the hipbone or freely hanging down to the pelvis. For many years, the appendix was considered to be completely worthless, so its removal does not affect the health of a person in any way. It turns out, however, that the appendix plays a very important role in the functioning of the immune system. Well, beneficial bacteria are stored in the appendix, and it is also involved in the production of white blood cells, which protect the body against attack by bacteria or viruses.
Where exactly is the appendix located? The appendix is located in the right iliac fossa. However, it is worth remembering that its location in each person may appear in a slightly different place. On the other hand, it is extremely rare to locate the appendix in the left iliac fossa.
Inflammation of the appendix can be caused by a variety of factors. Due to its specific structure, the most common cause of appendicitis is obstruction of the appendix with fecal stones. Inflammation may also be a consequence of nodular changes in the lumen of the appendix and the presence of parasites that, like fecal stones, clog the appendix. Appendicitis can occur in virtually everyone, but most often this disease affects people between 10 and 30 years of age.
Check if an appendectomy is necessary
Appendicitis can manifest itself in different ways. The most common are:
- Acute and progressive pain in the abdomen – usually begins in the area of the navel or in the upper abdomen and grows to other areas of the abdomen. Radiation pain is a symptom of confusion because the patient does not suspect that the source of the pain is the appendix itself.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Increased heart rate.
- Constipation while urinating frequently.
- Increased temperature, approx. 38 degrees C.
- No appetite.
Ignoring the above symptoms can cause peritonitis, which in turn can lead to a life-threatening condition.
Treatment of appendicitis
If a doctor diagnoses appendicitis, a decision is made to perform an operation to remove it. The appendix can be removed by laparoscopic surgery. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to open the abdominal wall.
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