In the process of evolution, the human body has undergone many changes, and some organs, so necessary for our ancestors, but absolutely useless for a modern person, remained, albeit in a slightly modified form. Thanks to this heritage, scientists have the opportunity to trace the stages of evolution.
Useless atavism
One of these organs is the appendix. This is a formation in the form of a process on the cecum, 7-10 centimeters in size. We inherited it from our herbivorous ancestors, whom we helped to cope with the digestion of hard-to-digest fiber and cellulose.
Its role and functions in the human body are not fully understood. However, there are suggestions that it is not at all as useless as it is commonly believed, but takes part in humoral immunity and the neutralization of toxins.
Despite its small size, the appendix can cause a lot of trouble and even death - this sometimes happens when it becomes inflamed.
Dangerous symptoms
Most often this disease affects children aged 9-12 years, in babies itoccurs less frequently. However, anyone can be at risk, especially if there are abdominal injuries, worms, infections, constipation.
Appendicitis is a disease in which the appendix becomes inflamed. Symptoms that may indicate this are:
- pain syndrome;
- increased body temperature;
- nausea;
- vomit.
There are some differences in symptoms in men, women and children, but the overall picture of the disease is most often similar. The pain is localized in the right lower abdomen, since that is where the human appendix is located.
When the first signs of appendicitis appear, in no case should you warm your stomach, take painkillers and wait for everything to work out. The pain may subside, but the risk of complications, such as peritonitis, or the development of chronic appendicitis, increases. At the first suspicion, you should immediately consult a doctor, as delay can lead to very dangerous consequences.
Diagnosis
At the hospital, you will be given all the necessary diagnostics to confirm the diagnosis. They will start with a general examination, temperature measurement, palpation. The doctor will also help to identify the inflamed appendix symptoms of Shchetkin-Blumberg, Mendel, Kocher, Sitkovsky. Urine and blood tests are provided. A biochemical and clinical blood test will reveal the presence of an inflammatory process and disorders of the internal organs. Urinalysis will help to monitor the work of the urinarysystem.
An x-ray may be shown to show how the appendix has changed. This will give a clear picture of the disease. An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and the appendix itself, a study for the presence of parasitic diseases, an electrocardiogram will also be carried out.
In an emergency, a few symptoms are enough to warrant immediate surgery to remove the appendix.
Surgery
Appendicitis is not treated with medication, only surgery is provided. There are two options that are used in medical practice, with which the appendix is removed: these are laparoscopy and appendectomy.
Traditional band surgery is the most common, but the first option is gaining more and more popularity, because it involves faster recovery, reduces the risk of large blood loss, and postoperative scarring is much less than after a classic incision.
Possible Complications
Complications after surgery can be quite serious. There is a risk of developing peritonitis, suppuration and divergence of sutures, internal bleeding, sepsis, and the development of an adhesive process. For a speedy recovery and in order to avoid complications, you must follow all the doctor's instructions.
After surgery
In addition to a successful operation, postoperative care and the rehabilitation period are no less important. In the first hours afterremoval of the appendix is forbidden to stand up. This should be done gradually, increasing the load over the next few days.
It is also recommended to limit physical activity for 1, 5-2 months. You should also adhere to fractional frequent meals, based on only products approved by the surgeon. It is mostly light food such as:
- all kinds of broths;
- boiled porridge;
- steam meat and vegetables;
- fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese).
It is strictly forbidden to eat fatty, fried and spicy foods.
The big mistake is the opinion of the majority that the appendix is a harmless organ. According to statistics, one third of all surgical interventions are for appendicitis, and it is detected in six people out of a thousand. And the saddest thing is that there are data on deaths.
