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Appendectomy · members guide

What an appendix operation looks like

by Joe Miller

Appendicitis is the most common reason for emergency belly surgery in the U.S. Here is what the appendix is, how doctors know it is inflamed, and what happens in the operating room, step by step.

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Where the appendix is, and where it hurtsnavelAppendix (finger-sized pouch)Large intestine (colon)McBurney's point (pain spot)Patient's RIGHT sidePatient's LEFT sideTypical pain pattern1Starts as a dull achearound the navel2Moves to the lower rightbelly over 12 to 24 hours3Worse with walking,coughing or bumps in thecar4Loss of appetite, nausea,low feverSevere belly pain that is getting worse needs the ER. A burst appendix is an emergency.
The classic pain starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right.

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