Treatment for Appendicitis and the Possible Complications
Your doctor’s treatment plan is usually antibiotics then a surgical procedure to remove your appendix. This procedure is known as an appendectomy. Asides from appendectomy, treatment may also involve one or the following procedures:
- Needle drainage or surgery to drain an abscess before undergoing surgery, if your abscess has not ruptured
- Liquid diet
- Pain relievers
- IV fluids [4]
In some cases, mild appendicitis may only require antibiotics to get better. However, in most cases, you will need surgery to remove your appendix.
Appendectomy is the surgical procedure that helps treat appendicitis. During this procedure, your doctor will remove your appendix. Your doctor will clean out your abdominal cavity if your appendix has burst.
In some cases, your doctor may use laparoscopy to perform minimally invasive surgery. In other cases, they may have to use open surgery to remove your appendix. Like every surgery, there are certain risks that may occur during appendectomy. However, the risks of this procedure are less severe than the risks of untreated inflammation in the appendix.
Appendicitis, if left untreated can result in severe medical complications. If your appendix ruptures, it can cause fecal substance and bacteria to pour into your abdominal cavity. A ruptured appendix can cause more severe and life threatening infections, such as:
- Peritonitis [5]
- Abscesses
- Sepsis [6]
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, surgical procedures, or other treatments to help prevent or manage complications. In some cases, appendicitis may lead to side effects or complications during treatment.