Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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| | N | | | O | | | P | | | Q | | | R | | | S | | | T | | | U | | | V | | | W | | | X | | | Y | |
Complications of Appendicitis
If the appendix perforates (bursts), it releases the infection into the abdomen and can lead to peritonitis. This is when the inner lining of the abdomen that coats the organs (the peritoneum) becomes inflamed (swollen). This lining is very sensitive to infection. Peritonitis causes the normal bowel movement to stop and the bowel to become blocked. This causes severe pain, fever and shock. If it is not treated straight away it can cause long-term problems and may even be fatal. Treatment for peritonitis usually involves antibiotics and being given fluids through a drip, or surgery.
An abscess (collection of pus) in the abdomen is another possible complication of appendicitis. This may be located between the bladder and rectum in men and between the uterus (womb) and rectum in women. Treatment is with antibiotics and/or surgical drainage. This involves having a tube placed in your abdomen to drain any pus from the abscess.
After an appendicectomy, some people can get an infection around the area of the wound. This has to be treated with antibiotics.
