Causes and Treatment of Appendicitis

3. Complications of Appendicitis

The most serious complication of appendicitis is a ruptured appendix, which initiates a condition called peritonitis, spreading the previously contained infection throughout the abdomen. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate surgery to remove the appendix. Another serious condition occurs if the appendix bursts. This creates a pocket of infection called an abscess. Doctors drain the abscess by placing a tube through the abdominal wall into the pocket of infection. The tube is left in to drain the infection for up to two weeks while the patient is given antibiotics ahead of surgery.