Abdominal pain lasting over 6 hours could signal appendicitis

Abdominal pain that begins around the navel and settles in the lower right abdomen, persisting for more than six hours, could signal an inflamed appendix. Professor Dr. Yaşar Özdenkaya, a specialist in General Surgery and Organ Transplantation, emphasized that appendicitis can affect individuals of all ages and stressed the importance of prompt medical assessment for prolonged abdominal pain.

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It is necessary to suspect appendicitis in children and young people with abdominal pain lasting more than 6 hours.

Özdenkaya explained that the appendix is a small organ located where the small intestine ends and the large intestine begins, in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Inflammation of the appendix is a common cause of acute surgical problems, particularly in children and adolescents. While its exact function remains unclear, the appendix is thought to be a secondary organ supporting the immune system.

He advised paying close attention to abdominal pain lasting over six hours, especially in children and young people, as it could be a sign of appendicitis. Differentiating between brief, intermittent pain and continuous, worsening pain is key. The initial diagnostic step for suspected appendicitis is typically an ultrasound, a quick, easy, and effective imaging method. If clinical signs and pain persist but ultrasound results are inconclusive, a CT scan may be used to support the diagnosis, achieving over 90-95% accuracy.

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Ultrasound is a fast, easy, and effective imaging method.

Treatment for appendicitis predominantly involves laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery, though open surgery may be necessary in some cases. For patients who delay seeking treatment, where inflammation causes surrounding tissues to form a "package" around the appendix, a different approach may be taken. This condition, known as phlegmonous appendicitis, can develop when abdominal pain exceeds five days and symptoms are suppressed by antibiotics and painkillers. In such instances, doctors may opt for observation with antibiotics and close monitoring, with surgery planned later if deemed necessary.

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In such a situation, instead of immediately operating on the patient, we can monitor them with antibiotics and close follow-up.