Why appendix is important in our body and what is its important roll in our body

 

What is the Appendix?

The appendix is a blurry tube connected to the cecum. The cecum is located at the junction of the small and large intestines. The length of the appendix is 9 cm on average. It lies in the lower quadrant of the abdomen. In the abdomen, its location corresponds to an upper point called the McBurney point.


Appendix Functions


1. The most important function is to keep the intestines growing by acting as a safe haven for germs that are useful in curing diarrhea. The appendix is surrounded by body tissues called lymphoid tissues that line the intestines. These tissues help to provide immunity as they support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
2. In recent studies, the appendix has been identified as an important component of mammalian mucosal immune function. It has been shown to initiate mainly B cell mediated immune reactions and T cells located extrathymically. These cells bring about the movement of waste products in the digestive system.
3. The lymphatic vessels of the appendix control bacteria and produce an immune response to deadly diseases. It provides extra protection against invading bacteria and fights germs and bacteria that enter that part of the gut.
4. An appendix is an empty structure that has lost its original function and created a new function. A new project has been launched to re-engineer the digestive system and protect against germs.


Appendectomy

Surgical removal of the appendix. It is a condition that requires immediate surgery. Surgery treats appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis is a disease that causes an infection in the appendix that causes it to shut down bacteria and feces. The only way to cure this condition is to remove the appendix. This condition should be treated immediately. When the appendix ruptures, germs and fecal particles may spread to the stomach and may cause a more serious condition called peritonitis.


Signs and symptoms of appendicitis include:

Abdominal pain
Swelling of the abdomen
Strong muscles
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Low-grade fever

Risks of Appendectomy

Some of the risks of appendectomy are as follows:

Bleeding
Infection
Injuries to nearby organs
Intestines blocked

Appendectomy Procedure

Two types of appendectomy can be performed. They are as follows:

Open Appendectomy: In this case, an incision is made in the lower right side of the abdomen. After the appendix is removed and stitches are made. This appendectomy is used when the appendix ruptures and the infection has spread to other organs.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy: In this procedure, the appendix is reached by making a few holes in the abdomen. A narrow cannula is inserted to fill the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to allow a clear view of the abdomen. After inflation, a high-light laparoscope and a high-resolution camera are installed. The camera displays images and allows the surgeon to bind the appendix and remove it. Next, the incisions are cleared and closed. It is best for older and overweight people. The risks involved are less than the open appendectomy procedure.

In India, appendix removal surgery is expensive. Costs vary from city to city and the cost of appendectomy in other emerging cities throughout India is available here.

Results of Appendectomy

After Appendectomy, there is a small amount of discomfort and pain known as temporary problems. However, long-term problems do not exist in Appendectomy.

They are categorized below:

Medium pain in the area where the cut is. This pain is caused by the stitches and disappears some days.
Pain or discomfort near the abdomen.
Swelling and redness around the cut.
Wound Infection: Despite taking antibiotics, sometimes infection can occur due to unhealthy conditions.
Bleeding under the skin which can cause severe inflammation. This bleeding usually subsides within a few days.
Injury - both surgical procedures will leave scars on the cut.
Collection of pus (abscess). In rare cases, an infection caused by an appendix rupture can cause an abscess after surgery.
Hernia may occur in an open incision or in an incision made in laparoscopic surgery.
Common sensors are used but may also have certain risks. The danger may be an allergy or a stomach ache, leading to pneumonia.
Symptoms such as fever above 101F, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and diarrhea or constipation lasting more than two days should be seen by a doctor immediately. These symptoms may be due to infection and require immediate treatment.