Appendicitis

Question 1

Why type of foods help reduce the risk of appendicits and why?

Answer 1

Fibre
Decrease the viscosity of faeces,
decrease bowel transit time,
discourage formation of fecaliths, which predispose individuals to obstructions of the appendiceal lumen.

Question 2

What happens in cultures with a higher intake of dietary fibre?

Answer 2

The incidence of appendicitis is lower

Question 3

Can causes appendicitis to develop?

Answer 3

It is when there is an obstruction in the lumen of the appendix. Commonly caused by lymphoid hyperplasia, but can also be by a fecalith, foreign body, or even worms.

Question 4

What does the obstruction of the lumen of the appendix lead to?

Answer 4

Distention
Bacterial overgrowth
Ischemia
Inflammation

Question 5

Describe the pathogenesis of appendicitis.

Answer 5

When appendiceal obstruction persists,
Intraluminal pressure rises leading to venous outflow obstruction.
Ischemia begins, resulting in a loss of epithelial integrity and allowing bacterial invasion of the appendiceal wall.
Thrombosis of the appendicular artery and veins, leading to perforation and gangrene of the appendix.

Question 6

What are the classic signs of appendicitis?

Answer 6

Right lower quadrant direct and rebound tenderness located at the McBurney point
Bowel movements are usually less frequent or absent;