Appendicitis can be a challenging condition to diagnose because abdominal pain can arise from a number of health problems. Symptoms can include consistent and worsening pain in the lower right abdomen and gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, constipation, diarrhea). See your family doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. The doctor will diagnose the condition by applying gentle pressure on the painful area. When the pressure is suddenly released, appendicitis pain will often feel worse, signaling that the adjacent peritoneum is inflamed. Other signs your doctor may watch for include abdominal rigidity and a tendency to stiffen your abdominal muscles in response to pressure over the inflamed appendix (guarding).
Minimally Invasive Surgical Benefits
If appendicitis is confirmed after blood, urine and ultrasound testing, the appendix can be surgically removed laparoscopically, using tiny incisions allowing for less pain, less blood loss, lower risk of infection and barely visible scars. But is this procedure really as safe and effective as a traditional “open” appendectomy? The answer is yes.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is performed by inserting small cameras and surgical instruments via small incisions in the abdomen. While the hospital stay is usually two to five days for an “open” or traditional procedure, laparoscopic patients can expect to be discharged within just 24 to 36 hours. Additionally, traditional appendectomy patients end up with a scar at least two to four inches long requiring up to six weeks of recovery time before resuming work and other normal activities.
But laparoscopic surgery isn’t appropriate for everyone. If your appendix has ruptured (burst inside the abdomen) and infection has spread beyond the appendix or if an abscess is present, you may require an open appendectomy. An open appendectomy allows your surgeon to safely clean the abdominal cavity and prevent the infection from causing additional health problems.
Worsening Stomach Pain? Call Your Doctor
Most importantly, if you experience consistent or worsening abdominal pain don’t wait to see your doctor. A ruptured appendix is a more serious and complex condition to address and your recovery time will be significantly increased as a result.
Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon. He is the medical director at Prime Surgicare and Central Jersey Bariatrics. If you are facing a routine or complex surgical procedure, call (732) 637 – 6370 to set up a consultation with Dr. Sowemimo (Dr. Seun).
Kellie’s life has taken a dramatically different turn now that she has dropped 135 pounds since April 2011. She’s also left behind the high blood pressure (200 / 120), fibromyalgia, borderline diabetes and reduced her osteoarthritis. Looking for inspiration to move foward with your weight loss goal? Watch Kellie tell her inspiring story
There is nothing more fulfilling than to help a wonderful person turn down a different path and find good health again. Allison, a 52-year-old wife and mother from Monmouth County, shares her personal challenge of losing the weight, overcoming her diabetes, and gaining back her ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
We will be following Allison’s journey over the next year as she makes major changes in her diet, exercise and health. She will be supported by Prime Surgicare’s nutritionists and patient support group as well as family and friends.
Here, Allison, 52, shares her weight loss surgery experience with Prime Surgicare in Freehold, NJ and exclaims, “These have been the life-changing events of my life–marriage, children and my weight loss surgery!”
November 17, 2011 Update: Allison has just filmed her three-month post op weight loss update. We will be posting this exciting update within the next few weeks. You won’t want to miss it!
I will be hosting a Weight Loss Surgery Informational Seminar on Wed., Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. for people interested in learning more about bariatric surgical solutions. Past patients are also welcome to come and share their experiences as well!
CentraState Medical Center
Conference Room C
Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus 901 W. Main Street, Freehold 07728
Please call and let us know if you will be joining us at (732) 637 - 637-zero. See you Wednesday night!
Appendicitis can be a challenging condition to diagnose because abdominal pain can arise from a number of health problems. Symptoms can include consistent and worsening pain in the lower right abdomen and gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, constipation, diarrhea). See your family doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. The doctor will diagnose the condition by applying gentle pressure on the painful area. When the pressure is suddenly released, appendicitis pain will often feel worse, signaling that the adjacent peritoneum is inflamed. Other signs your doctor may watch for include abdominal rigidity and a tendency to stiffen your abdominal muscles in response to pressure over the inflamed appendix (guarding). 
