Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix that causes pain typically shifting to the right lower abdomen, with nausea, loss of appetite and fever. It is a surgical emergency, treated safely and quickly by laparoscopic (keyhole) appendix removal.
Worsening pain, fever, vomiting, a rigid or tender belly
| Definition | Inflammation of the appendix |
| Who | Most common between ages 10 and 30, but possible at any age |
| See a surgeon | Urgently — within hours of persistent right-lower-abdomen pain |
| Urgency flags | Worsening pain, fever, vomiting, a rigid or tender belly |
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is sudden inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It usually occurs when the appendix becomes blocked and infected, and it tends to worsen over hours, which is why it needs prompt assessment.
Symptoms & causes
Pain often begins around the navel and then shifts to the right lower abdomen, becoming sharper with movement or coughing. It is commonly accompanied by nausea, loss of appetite and a low-grade fever. The usual cause is blockage of the appendix opening.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination supported by blood tests and an ultrasound or CT scan. Rapid assessment matters because a delay risks the appendix bursting (perforation), which makes treatment more complex.
Treatment options
The definitive treatment is laparoscopic appendicectomy — keyhole removal of the inflamed appendix. It is a safe, commonly performed operation with small incisions, minimal pain and a quick recovery in uncomplicated cases.
How we treat Appendicitis
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Last reviewed: June 2026Frequently asked questions
Yes. Appendicitis usually worsens over hours and can lead to a burst appendix, so it should be assessed by a surgeon urgently.
Some early cases settle with antibiotics, but symptoms often return. Keyhole removal of the appendix remains the definitive treatment for most patients.
In uncomplicated cases most people go home within a day or two and return to routine activity within about a week.
An untreated appendix can burst, spreading infection in the abdomen — a far more serious condition than early appendicitis.
Appendicitis needs prompt keyhole surgery. Dr. Avinash Tank performs laparoscopic appendicectomy at Dwarika Hospital, Ahmedabad — call or WhatsApp for urgent same-day assessment.
अपेंडिसाइटिस एक आपातकालीन स्थिति है, जिसका इलाज लैप्रोस्कोपिक अपेंडिक्स सर्जरी से किया जाता है — यह सुरक्षित और तेज़ रिकवरी वाला ऑपरेशन है।
Turant doctor se milein — appendicitis ek emergency hai. Laparoscopic appendix surgery se safe aur jaldi recovery hoti hai.
Doctor-written articles on Appendicitis
Case Library
Difficult Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Acute Retrocecal Appendicitis with Dense Periappendiceal Adhesions
Reading Time: 13 minutesDifficult Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Acute Retrocecal Appendic…
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Blog
Acute Appendicitis
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