Appendicitis (or epityphlitis) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, most require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock. ...

Appendicitis (or epityphlitis) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, most require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock.

Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen (opening) has been attributed to a number of common sources including fecaliths (a hard mass of fecal matter), normal stool or viruses. Once this obstruction occurs the appendix subsequently becomes filled with mucus and distends, increasing intraluminal (inside the appendix) and intramural (against the wall) pressures, resulting in thrombosis (blood clotting) and occlusion (blockage) of the small vessels, and stasis (stoppage) of lymphatic flow. As these progress, the appendix becomes ischemic (without blood and oxygen) and then necrotic (dead). As bacteria begin to leak out through the dying walls, pus forms within and around the appendix. The end result of this cascade is appendiceal rupture causing peritonitis (inflammation and infection of the abdomen), which may lead to septicemia and eventually death.