Appendicitis is a surgical emergency caused by inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine. It commonly affects adolescents and young adults but can occur at any age. Appendicitis usually develops when the appendix becomes blocked by stool, infection, or enlarged lymphoid tissue, leading to bacterial overgrowth and inflammation.

The classic symptom is sudden abdominal pain, often starting near the navel and shifting to the lower right abdomen. This pain may worsen with movement or coughing and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, the appendix can rupture, causing widespread infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) or abscess formation, which can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, blood tests, and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan, which helps confirm inflammation and rule out other causes of abdominal pain.

The gold-standard treatment for appendicitis is appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix). At IMH, laparoscopic appendectomy is the preferred approach for most patients, offering smaller incisions, less pain, reduced infection risk, and quicker return to normal activities. In cases of ruptured appendix or extensive infection, open surgery may be required to ensure complete and safe treatment.

Prompt surgical intervention leads to excellent outcomes, while delay increases the risk of complications. IMH’s surgical team ensures rapid diagnosis, emergency readiness, and structured post-operative care to support safe recovery and prevent recurrence.