Question

pathophysiology of appendicitis?

Answer 1

Appendicitis is a condition in which appendix becomes inflamed, swollen or infected causing pain.

It is thought to be due to the lumen of appendix becoming blocked by fecal matter or due to viral infection.

Once obstruction occurs, the blood flow to the tissue is reduced and the bacteria present there multiply rapidly. This increases the pressure within the appendix and venous drainage is reduced causing ischaemia. If the infection is left untreated ischemia can lead to necrosis and later gangrene. At this stage the appendix is at risk of proliferation. Once obstruction occurs, it takes about 72 hrs for proliferation to take place.

After proliferation, the bacteria and inflammatory cells are released into the surrounding structures causing peritonitis.

SUMMARISING:

The following flow chart can be beneficial in understanding the pathophysiology of appendix.

Obstruction of appendix lumen

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Mucosal inflammation and bacterial proliferation

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Increased intra luminal pressure

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Decreased venous drainage, bacterial invasion

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Abscess

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Gangrene

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Proliferation

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Peritonitis