The small organ located in the blind region of the colon —Arongation of minor diameter, close to the large intestine – has been considered for years as an element without function in the human body. However, its inflammation or perforation can be deadly for patients.
Although for a long time it was thought that the appendix lacked a function – as Charles Darwin suggested, considering it useful only for the first humans with a rudimentary diet – recent research, such as Dr. William Parker, of the Duke University, have shown otherwise. According to its findings, the appendix works as a reservoir of beneficial intestinal bacteria that help restore intestinal flora after infections or medical treatments.
The internist Estuardo Rojas commented that new studies reveal that the appendix stores good bacteria for the body. He explained that, in the intestine, the human being houses microorganisms known as microbiome, traditionally called bacterial flora.
In its explanation, Rojas details that the intestinal microbiome fulfills key functions, such as regenerating the colon and maintaining its balance. When there is an excess of harmful bacteria – what is known as dysbiosis -, gases, inflammation and pain may occur.
In addition, recent studies confirm the existence of the intestine-corebro axis, which implies that an altered colon can also affect the nervous system and generate symptoms such as headaches, anxiety or depression. In this process, the appendix acts as a reservoir of beneficial bacteria that help repopulate the colon and maintain its health, says Rojas.
What are the causes of appendicitis?
Rojas points out that the main cause of appendicitis It is the obstruction of the organ by a fecalite: a small solid mass formed by compact fecal matter. This mass blocks communication between the blind and the appendix, which causes accumulation of bacteria inside. This accumulation generates progressive inflammation, similar to a globe that inflates until it can be burst or drilled.
For his part, the general and laparoscopic surgeon Héctor Luna commented that the main problem of the appendix is that he has a very small light. By producing liquid and mucus, if obstructs – for example, by a fecalito – the organ becomes inflamed, edematizes and loses its vascularization. Not receiving blood, necrosal and ends up drilling.
When this occurs, feces are released within the abdomen, which can cause an abscess or severe infection. This is when the patient’s life is put at risk, due to sepsis, which occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and affect other organs, Luna explained.
When the content of the appendix is dispersed in the abdominal cavity, it can cause peritonitis, a serious infection that also puts life at risk, Red details.
Luna adds that, fortunately, not all cases end in death, since the intestines are covered by a layer of fat called Epiplón, whose function is “cover” inflamed areas. This helps contain infections by forming a plastron, which encapsulates the affected area.
Regarding the formation of fecalites or obstruction, the internist stressed that it is more common in people with a history of chronic constipation, since the feces tend to be harder and adopt the form of small balls. In less frequent cases, fruit seeds can also be lodged in the appendix and cause the same obstruction and inflammation.
Complications of appendicitis and treatment?
Luna warned that there is no accurate parameter that determines the time of pain appearance, since it depends on the body. Some patients may present symptoms to the first day of obstruction, while others do it until after five or six days.
Many patients with appendicitis arrive at the hospital after several days of pain. Some manage to stabilize, but others develop septicemia, a serious complication that can be deadly.
The treatment of appendicitis is surgical. It is necessary to remove the appendix and, if perforated, drain the accumulated pus. In more severe cases, a second surgical intervention – known as “second view” – may be required to clean the abdomen again, especially when infectious waste persists that could derive in abscess collections.
One of the most dangerous complications of perforated appendicitis is septicemia, a systemic infection with lethal risk, especially in older adult patients or immunocompromised.
Appendicitis evolves in four clinical phases:
- Edematous appendicitis: Initial stage in which the appendix begins to become inflamed. It is the phase with the best prognosis if detected in time.
- Suppurative appendicitis: Pus accumulates in the inflamed organ.
- Gangrenous appendicitis: The fabric loses blood supply and begins to necrose.
- Perforated appendicitis: The appendix breaks, releasing its content to the abdomen, which generates a severe infection.
When the case reaches serious phases such as gangrenous or perforated, treatment includes intravenous antibiotic administration for approximately eight days, in addition to surgery.
Good nutrition and ingesting pure water could support the reduction of probabilities to suffer from pancreatitis. (Photo: Free Press / Shuttersock)
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Rojas explained that the main symptom is an intense pain in the right iliac pit, located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, taking as reference the navel. In some cases, the pain can start in the epigastrium area – known as “stomach mouth” – and confuse with gastritis, but subsequently moves towards the iliac fossa.
The pain is usually intensified with movement and is accompanied by fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea and difficulty mobilizing.
Among the clinical signs, the internist highlighted the rebound sign, which consists of pain by releasing a palpation in the affected area, indicating peritoneal irritation. The sign of the psoas and that of the shutter can also occur, which cause pain when moving the leg due to the proximity of these structures with the inflamed appendix.
An important preventive measure is to avoid constipation, maintaining a diet rich in fiber and adequate hydration, he added.
Can you live without appendix?
Yes, it is possible to live without the appendix, the doctor stands out. Many people have been operated since childhood or adulthood and lead a completely normal life. However, the absence of this organ could favor certain problems in the colon, since one of its functions is to act as a reservoir of beneficial bacteria that contribute to the balance of the intestinal microbiome.
When that balance is altered-a condition known as dysbiosis-symptoms such as abdominal pain, gases, diarrhea and even neurological alterations, such as anxiety or depression, due to the connection known as the intestine-corebro axis, concluded.