Inflammation of the appendix is known as appendicitis.

Causes

• Acute appendicitis seems to be the end result of a primary obstruction of the appendix lumen. An appendiceal fecolith is commonly associated with complicated appendicitis.
• Diverticular disease and adenomatous polyps.
• A low fibre intake.

Symptoms

• Pain starting centrally (periumbilical) before localizing to the right iliac fossa (the lower right side of the abdomen); associated with loss of appetite and fever.
• Nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.
• An inflamed appendix lies in contact with the bladder; there is frequency of micturition and/ or hematuria.

Treatment

An appendicectomy: The surgical procedure for the removal of the appendix is called an appendicectomy.

• Laparoscopic Surgery
  Minimally invasive surgery performed with the aid of a tiny camera threaded into the abdomen. It is preferred in obese patients.
• Open appendicectomy
  This procedure is preferred in thin patients and can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.