Symptoms and signs
- Pain that starts near the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mild fever
- Pain that gets worse with movement, coughing or walking
See a doctor urgently if
- Worsening abdominal pain, especially in the lower right, with fever or vomiting needs emergency care
- Sudden relief of pain followed by a swollen, tender belly can mean the appendix has burst and is an emergency
- Do not eat, drink heavily or take strong painkillers while waiting for medical advice
If you have a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. Do not wait for an enquiry reply.
Causes and risk factors
- Blockage of the appendix opening, often by hard stool or swollen tissue
- Infection
- Occasionally, other causes are found
- It can occur at any age, but is more common in the young
How a doctor assesses it
A doctor examines the abdomen and asks about the pain. Blood tests and an ultrasound or CT scan are often used to confirm it, since other conditions can look similar. The surgeon decides whether surgery is needed and how soon.
Who may need it
Surgery is advised when appendicitis is diagnosed or strongly suspected. Delay raises the risk that the appendix will burst, so urgent assessment matters. The surgeon decides.
Treatment options
Emergency surgery
Removing the appendix is the standard treatment for appendicitis, usually without delay.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) appendectomy
Small cuts and a camera are used. It is commonly chosen when suitable.
Open appendectomy
A single larger cut is used, for example when the appendix has burst or keyhole surgery is not suitable.
Antibiotics first
In selected cases doctors may try antibiotics, with a risk of the problem returning. This is a specialist decision.
What the procedure involves
The operation is done under general anaesthesia. The surgeon removes the appendix and, if infection has spread, cleans the area and may place a drain.
You stay in hospital for a period decided by the surgeon, depending on how inflamed the appendix was.
Recovery
- Pain at the cuts, controlled with medicines as advised
- Light walking early, with rest
- A gradual return to normal diet
- Avoid heavy lifting for the period advised
- Report fever, worsening pain or wound discharge
Everyone heals differently. Follow your own surgeon's instructions.
Risks
- Wound infection
- A collection of pus in the abdomen
- Bleeding
- Injury to nearby organs
- Bowel blockage, which is uncommon
- Risks linked to anaesthesia
- A longer stay if the appendix has burst
Your surgeon will explain which risks matter most for you. No result can be guaranteed.
Cost and payment
The cost of appendicitis treatment depends on your case and cannot be fixed without a medical assessment. These are the main things that change it:
- Whether the surgery is urgent, planned or complicated
- Tests and scans
- Length of hospital stay
- The hospital or day-care centre and the room type
- The surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees
- Tests and scans before surgery
- Medicines, dressings and follow-up visits
- Whether you pay in cash, use EMI or claim insurance
Our team explains your options for cash, EMI and insurance, helps you compare packages and handles insurance paperwork. Try the EMI calculator to plan your payments. Insurance cover depends on your policy and insurer, and approval cannot be promised.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Is it appendicitis, and how urgent is surgery?
- Is keyhole surgery suitable for me?
- How long will I stay in hospital?
- What should I watch for after going home?
- Who will perform my procedure, and how often have they done it?
- What are the risks for me and how are complications handled?
- What is the full cost, in writing, and what does it include?
Check that any doctor is registered, for example on the National Medical Commission register or with the state medical council.
Our step-by-step support
From your first call to your follow-up visits, our team stays with you:
- Our team connects with you. We call you, listen to your concern and understand the exact problem.
- We find the right hospital and doctor. Based on your treatment, we help you shortlist a suitable doctor and hospital.
- Package, cash, EMI or insurance. We explain the package and help you choose between cash, EMI and insurance.
- Doctor consultation arranged. We book your consultation with the doctor and share what to bring.
- Surgery is planned. If surgery is advised, we help plan the date and the steps before it.
- Cab booked for you. We arrange a cab for your hospital visit.
- Papers checked before treatment. We check your documents and reports so nothing is missed on the day.
- Insurance filing handled. We help fill in and follow up your insurance paperwork.
- Care from admission to discharge. We stay in touch through admission, surgery and discharge.
- Free follow-ups and diet plans. After surgery, you get free follow-up consultations and diet plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is appendicitis an emergency?
Yes. It can become serious quickly. Worsening abdominal pain needs urgent medical care.
Can the appendix be treated with medicines alone?
Sometimes in selected cases, but there is a risk it returns. A surgeon decides.
Can I live without an appendix?
Yes. The appendix is not needed for normal digestion, and people live normally without it. Your surgeon will explain what to expect after removal.
How long is recovery?
It varies with the type of surgery and how inflamed the appendix was. Your surgeon will advise.
Can you help with insurance and EMI?
Yes. Our team explains cash, EMI and insurance options and helps with the paperwork. Insurance cover depends on your policy and insurer, and approval cannot be promised.
How do I book a free consultation?
Call or WhatsApp +91 96255 29133, or fill in the form on this page. Our team will contact you the way you choose.
Related guides
Gallbladder stones surgery (cholecystectomy)
Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder.
Read the guideHernia surgery
A hernia happens when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall of the...
Read the guidePlease note: This page is general information, not medical advice. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed. A qualified doctor must assess you before any treatment.