Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the appendix. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, many require laparotomy with removal of the inflamed appendix. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock when the inflamed appendix ruptures.

Prognosis

Most appendicitis patients recover easily with treatment, but complications can occur if treatment is delayed or if peritonitis occurs secondary to a perforated appendix.

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Recovery time depends on age, condition, complications, and other circumstances but usually is between 10 and 28 days.

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The real possibility of life-threatening peritonitis is the reason why acute appendicitis warrants speedy treatment. The patient may have to undergo a medical evacuation. Appendicectomies have occasionally been performed in emergency conditions (i.e. outside of a proper hospital), when a timely medical evacuation was impossible.

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