Appendicitis Crabtree Private Surgery

What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is when the appendix (a small thin pouch connected to the large intestine) becomes inflamed.¹

Symptoms of appendicitis include a pain that begins in the middle of the tummy that can progresses to the lower left side of the tummy becoming more severe and constant (this is where the appendix is located).

This area may feel tender to the touch. You may also experience loss of appetite, feel sick or have diarrhoea.¹

If you have these symptoms seek medical advice from a GP, NHS 111 or in an emergency dial 999; if the appendix bursts this can be life-threatening.

Why do I need a procedure for Appendicitis?

The function of the appendix is unknown, but removing it is not harmful.¹

If you have appendicitis you may need to have your appendix removed. This can be done by open surgery or key-hole surgery (see below for further details).

What to expect during Appendix surgery (appendicectomy)?

Removal of the appendix (appendicectomy) is one of the most common operations in the UK and is often done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery). This is when several small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow special instruments to be inserted so the appendix can be removed.

If the appendix has burst or there are difficulties accessing it, the operation may be done as ‘open’ surgery; this involves making a single incision in the abdomen to remove the appendix.¹

Recovery is normally a few weeks but may be faster with Laproscopic surgery, which has been shown to have shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times and less scaring, pain and bleeding post-operatively.²

Your surgeon will be able to discuss the benefits and limitations of each approach with you to decide what is right for you. For further information, please refer to the NHS website below.

For Further Reading:

¹https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/appendicitis/ (accessed 30th January 2022)

²https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laparoscopy/ (accessed 30th January 2022)

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Meet Mr. Michael Crabtree

General, Colorectal and Laproscopic Surgeon

I qualified from King’s College School of Medicine (London) in 1995 and went on to train in surgery in the London areas. I finished my Surgical training at St Mark’s hospital in Harrow, the National Centre for Colorectal disease. I also completed a PhD in the genetics of Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis (FAP) jointly at St Mark’s and with Cancer Research UK, at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. I therefore have a strong background in both science and surgery.

At Ipswich hospital I have a number of senior roles and leadership is a significant part of my practice. These roles have included: Clinical Lead, Colorectal Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) lead, Surgical Tutor and Health Education East of England (HEEoE) Performance Support Well-being Case Manager. My present Leadership roles include: Foundation Years Training Programme Director (TPD), General Medical Council (GMC) performance assessor Team Leader, and Appraiser and Educational Supervisor. The GMC recognises me as a dedicated trainer, for future doctors. I am trusted to teach the next generation of surgeons and therefore practice using the latest techniques following national guidelines in a professional manner.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

MBBS King’s College London 1995
PhD - London 2001
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 2006
Specialist Register (CCT 2007)