Editing Appendix (anatomy) (section)

==Clinical significance==
[[File:Appendiceal carcinoid 1.JPG|thumb|An appendiceal carcinoid tumor]]

Common [[disease]]s of the appendix (in humans) are [[appendicitis]] and [[carcinoid]] tumors (appendiceal carcinoid).<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15807474/ |title=Miscellaneous conditions of the appendix |author=<!--Not stated--> |journal=Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology |year=2004 |volume=21 |issue=2 |pages=151–63 |publisher=[[National Institutes of Health]] |access-date=30 December 2020 |doi=10.1053/j.semdp.2004.11.006|pmid=15807474 }}</ref> [[Appendix cancer]] accounts for about 1 in 200 of all gastrointestinal malignancies. In rare cases, [[adenomas]] are also present.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2020-12-30 |url=https://www.rightdiagnosis.com/a/appendix_disorders/stats.htm |title=Statistics about Appendix disorder |work=rightdiagnosis.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016210240/https://www.rightdiagnosis.com/a/appendix_disorders/stats.htm |archive-date=2019-10-16}}</ref>

===Appendicitis===
{{Main|Appendicitis}}
[[Appendicitis]] is a condition characterized by [[inflammation]] of the appendix. Pain often begins in the center of the abdomen, corresponding to the appendix's development as part of the embryonic [[midgut]]. This pain is typically a dull, poorly localized, [[viscus|visceral]] pain.<ref name="Biology 92-98">{{Cite book|author=Miller R., Kenneth |author2=Levine, Joseph  |title=Biology |publisher=[[Prentice Hall]] |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-13-050730-3 |pages=92–98}}</ref>

As the inflammation progresses, the pain begins to localize more clearly to the right lower quadrant, as the [[peritoneum]] becomes inflamed. This peritoneal inflammation, or [[peritonitis]], results in [[rebound tenderness]] (pain upon removal of pressure rather than the application of pressure). In particular, it presents at [[McBurney's point]], 1/3 of the way along a line drawn from the [[anterior superior iliac spine]] to the [[navel|umbilicus]]. Typically, point (skin) pain is not present until the [[parietal peritoneum]] is inflamed, as well. Fever and an immune system response are also characteristic of appendicitis.<ref name="Biology 92-98"/> Other signs and symptoms may include [[nausea]] and vomiting, low-grade fever that may get worse, [[constipation]] or [[diarrhea]], abdominal bloating, or [[flatulence]].<ref name=Mayo-Appendicitis>{{cite web |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543 |title=Appendicitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=mayoclinic.org |publisher=[[Mayo Clinic]] |access-date=29 December 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125012725/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543 |archive-date=25 November 2020 }}</ref>

Appendicitis usually requires the removal of the inflamed appendix, in an [[appendectomy]] either by [[laparotomy]] or [[laparoscopy]]. Untreated, the appendix may rupture, leading to [[peritonitis]], followed by [[septic shock|shock]], and, if still untreated, death.<ref name="Biology 92-98"/>

===Surgery===

{{Main|Appendectomy}}

The surgical removal of the appendix is called an [[appendectomy]]. This removal is normally performed as an emergency procedure when the patient is suffering from [[acute (medical)|acute]] appendicitis. In the absence of surgical facilities, [[intravenous]] [[antibiotics]] are used to delay or avoid the onset of [[sepsis]]. In some cases, the appendicitis resolves completely; more often, an inflammatory mass forms around the appendix. This is a relative [[contraindication]] to surgery.

The appendix is also used for the construction of an efferent urinary conduit, in an operation known as the [[Mitrofanoff procedure]],<ref name=mingin>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mingin GC, Baskin LS | title = Surgical management of the neurogenic bladder and bowel | journal = International Braz J Urol | volume = 29 | issue = 1 | pages = 53–61 | year = 2003 | pmid = 15745470 | doi = 10.1590/S1677-55382003000100012 | url = http://www.brazjurol.com.br/january_february_2003/Baskin_ing_53_61.htm | doi-access = free }}</ref> in people with a [[neurogenic bladder]].

The appendix is also used as a means to access the colon in children with paralysed bowels or major rectal sphincter problems. The appendix is brought out to the skin surface and the child/parent can then attach a catheter and easily wash out the colon (via normal defaecation) using an appropriate solution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.healthpoint.co.nz/default,169125.sm;jsessionid=1CD66A058B10550C51041E477C8E7075|title=Wellington Children's Hospital: Caring for an ACE or Chait Tube: Healthpoint|access-date=22 December 2016|archive-date=16 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016171448/https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/public/paediatrics/wellington-childrens-hospital-paediatric/caring-for-an-ace-or-chait-tube/|url-status=dead}}</ref>