The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ extending from the large intestine. Its precise role in the human body is debated; it is often considered vestigial, though some research suggests it may play a minor part in the immune system or serve as a safe haven for beneficial gut bacteria. Despite its small size and ambiguous function, the appendix is widely recognized due to a common medical procedure performed when it becomes inflamed.
Prevalence of Appendectomy
Appendectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix, is among the most frequently performed emergency abdominal surgeries worldwide. Approximately 5% of the U.S. population will undergo an appendectomy at some point in their lives. The lifetime risk of developing appendicitis, the condition that necessitates removal, is estimated to be between 7% and 10%.
The procedure is particularly common among certain age groups. The highest incidence of appendicitis, and subsequent appendectomy, occurs in individuals between 10 and 30 years old, with a peak in late teens and early twenties. While appendicitis can affect people of all ages, it is less common in very young children and older adults.
Historically, appendectomy rates saw a peak in the mid-20th century in Western countries. Since 1990, however, these rates have shown a steady decrease in regions such as the United States, Europe, and Oceania, declining by about 1.5% annually. This trend might be influenced by advancements in diagnostic imaging, leading to more accurate diagnoses and fewer unnecessary surgeries. In contrast, some newly industrialized countries have observed an increasing trend in appendicitis incidence during the 21st century.
Reasons for Removal
Most appendectomies treat acute appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix. This inflammation arises when the appendix becomes blocked, often by a hardened piece of stool called a fecalith, or by swelling of its inner lining. The blockage can lead to an accumulation of mucus and bacteria inside the appendix, causing it to swell and become infected.
If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can rapidly worsen. Increasing pressure within the organ can compromise its blood supply, leading to tissue death and a risk of rupture. A ruptured appendix can spill its contents, including bacteria, into the abdominal cavity, leading to a serious, life-threatening infection of the abdominal lining known as peritonitis. Symptoms that prompt diagnosis include sudden pain around the navel shifting to the lower right abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever. Prompt surgical intervention is required to remove the appendix due to serious complications.