Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small organ located on the right side of the abdomen. Patients generally first experience pain that begins near the navel (belly button) before moving to the lower right abdomen. In many cases, this pain increases over time.

The exact cause of appendicitis is not always known, although it appears that it is often triggered by a blockage of the appendix due to infection in the digestive tract.

Appendicitis can occur at any age, but is more common between the ages of 10 and 30. Adolescents have the highest rates of appendicitis.

Appendicitis is often difficult to detect, particularly in children. A physician will usually perform a physical examination with special focus on the abdomen. Gentle pressure will be applied to the abdomen and quickly released to see if the pain worsens, indicating an inflamed peritoneum (inner lining of the abdomen). Blood tests and imaging tests may also be performed to confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis.

Surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy) is the standard treatment for appendicitis, although in very rare cases antibiotics may prevent the need for surgery. Surgical treatment may involve traditional open surgery or less invasive laparoscopic surgery. Recovery time and hospital stay following an appendectomy vary depending on which type of operation is performed and whether or not the appendix has ruptured prior to removal. Most patients make a quick and full recovery and do not require any alterations to lifestyle or diet.

In rare cases, people who have undergone an appendectomy can experience “stump appendicitis,” inflammation of the tiny part of the appendix that remains after surgery. In such cases, a second surgery may be needed to remove the remainder of the appendix. Leaving a stump less than 3 millimeters long in the original surgery usually prevents stump appendicitis.

When treated promptly, appendicitis poses little threat to the patient. However, infection of the peritoneum can occur if the appendix ruptures before it is removed, a potentially serious condition known as peritonitis. In rare cases, this can result in death.