What is the appendix? The appendix is a 3 - 5 centimeter tubular
structure which is connected to the cecum, the first part of the
colon. The purpose of the appendix isn't known, but it does not
aid in digestion and there are no side effects of having it
removed. What is appendicitis? Appendicitis is when the appendix
becomes inflamed. This happens when the opening to the appendix
becomes obstructed, or blocked, usually by stool or by swollen
lymph tissue. In older people, cancer can sometimes cause the
obstruction. Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical
emergency - 250,000 appendectomies are performed each year in
the United States. The lifetime risk of having appendicitis is
7%. The peak age of occurrence is between 10 - 30 years. What
are the usual symptoms of appendicitis? Appendicitis begins as
abdominal pain, frequently around the belly button. This pain
then moves to the right lower abdomen and is usually constant.
Nausea is frequently present with occasional vomiting. A low-
grade fever may