Pathophysiology of Appendicitis

Pathophysiology of Appendicitis (Ruptured\)

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Non-modifiable
Age: 11-20 yrs old
Gender: male (male- female =2:1)
Hereditary: tumor formation in the opening of the appendix

Modifiable ❖ Diet: People whose diet is low in fiber and rich in refined carbohydrates ❖ Infections: Gastrointestinal infections such as Amebiasis, Bacterial Gastroenteritis, Mumps

Obstruction of the appendix by (fecalith (hardened stool), lymph node, tumor, foreign objects)

Increase in pressure inside the appendix lumen that result to distention of appendix

Impaired venous return causing hyperemia (improper O2, and nutrient supply)
Normal bacteria found in appendix begin to invade (infect) the lining of the wall

Inflammatory Response – body response to the bacterial invasion in the wall of appendix.
Increased Immune complex (disease plus antibody) causes swelling of tissue resulting to inflammation of appendix
S/S: abdominal pain, fever, and increase swelling of appendix. Vomiting and loss of appetite

Pain- located @ RLQ, causing Guarding, Vomiting & loss of appetite

inflammation and infection spread through the wall of the appendix causing death of tissue.
The appendix ruptures due to increase pressure
(Perforation)

Appendectomy, pain medications

Appendectomy with explore laparotomy Pain and Antibiotic medications

Perforation (formation of a hole in an organ), fecal materials exits to peritoneal cavity causing formation of abscesses (periappendiceal abscess).
Infection can spread throughout the abdomen (peritoneal cavity)

Bacterial invasion of Peritoneal Cavity causing inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdomen peritoneum (Peritonitis)
S/S: swelling of the abdomen, severe