How do you know if you need surgery for appendicitis

The appendix is a small pouch located in the lower right side of your abdomen. While it doesn’t have a vital function, it can sometimes become inflamed- a condition known as appendicitis.

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. The good news is that with a timely diagnosis and treatment, most people make a full recovery and return to their normal lives quickly.If you’re experiencing worrying abdominal pain, connecting with a trusted general surgeon through Doctify ensures you get timely advice and care.

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. This small pouch-like organ is found in the lower-right abdomen and can become swollen and painful, usually due to: 

• A blockage caused by stool or swollen tissue
• An infection
• Other less common causes

If left untreated, appendicitis can become serious as the appendix may burst and cause widespread infection in the abdomen.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Appendicitis often starts with vague discomfort and becomes more severe over time. Symptoms may include: 

• Pain starting around the belly button, which later moves to the lower right side
• Increasing pain that worsens over several hours
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Fever or chills
• Tenderness when pressing on the lower right side of the abdomen

It’s important to remember: not all abdominal pain is appendicitis, but if you have these symptoms, it’s safer to seek urgent medical attention

How Appendicitis Is Diagnosed

Doctors use several steps to confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis: 

• Physical examination: checking for tenderness in the lower right abdomen
• Blood tests: looking for markers of infection or inflammation
• Imaging: ultrasound or CT scans

A timely diagnosis is important, as catching it early can prevent complications and ensure treatment can begin without delay.

When Surgery Is Needed

In most cases, acute appendicitis is treated with surgery

• Laparoscopic appendectomy: the most common approach. It uses small cuts, which leads to less scarring and allows for faster recovery.
• Open Surgery: sometimes necessary if the appendix has ruptured/burst or if there are complications.
• Antibiotics alone: in certain cases, doctors may try antibiotics, but this comes with a higher risk of the appendicitis returning

Your surgeon will explain which option is best for your situation.

Risks of Delaying Surgery

Waiting too long to treat appendicitis can lead to serious complications:

• Rupture of the appendix: which can cause a life-threatening abdominal infection (peritonitis)
• Abscess formation: a painful pocket of pus in the abdomen
• Longer recovery: more complex surgery may be needed if treatment is delayed

These are the reasons why promptly seeking medical care is essential.

Recovery After Appendectomy

The recovery process is typically straightforward:

• Most patients go home within 1–2 days after laparoscopic surgery
• Full recovery takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of surgery and your general health
• Patients often return to regular diets and light activities fairly quickly.
• Follow-up appointments are important to ensure proper healing.

Your doctor will provide advice on wound care, pain management, and when you can resume exercise or more strenuous activities.

When to Seek Medical Help

You should seek urgent medical help if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain that worsens with movement
• A sudden fever, vomiting, or worsening tenderness in the abdomen

It is always safer to have abdominal pain checked by a GP or a surgeon, especially if symptoms fit the typical pattern of appendicitis. If needed, you can easily connect with an experienced general surgeon on Doctify.

Conclusion

Appendicitis is common, and in most cases, surgery is the safest and most effective treatment. With early diagnosis and timely care, patients will recover quickly and avoid serious complications.

If you or a loved one has concerning symptoms, don’t wait- book an appointment with a trusted general surgeon through Doctify to receive high-quality advice and treatment.

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Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 13/09/2025