My Sister In Law's Appendix Has Burst. Doctors Are Telling

Posted on Mon, 16 Sep 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : My sister in law's appendix has burst. Doctors are telling her there's no choice but antibiotics for the next 2 to 3 weeks before being able to operate. I thought people died from a burst appendix.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Appenicular mass should be operated later

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Appendicitis is an emergency condition.Appendix has to be removed immediately.
If there is delay of 4 to 5 days or more after the initial attack of Appendicitis, surrounding structures like small bowel, Caecum and Omental fat will engulf the Appendix and forms a mass.In this situation, surgery should not be done.Antibiotics and pain killers should be given.After 4 to 6 weeks, Appendix will be seen separately and it can be removed.
If Appendix is burst,it is called Appendicular perforation.Surgery has to be done and Appendix should be removed.
First, you should confirm whether it is Appendicular mass or Abscess or Appendicular perforation.
Please attach the Investigations in Reports column.I can clarify further.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions,I will clarify further.
Wish her good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D