If you don't seek treatment, the appendix may burst, spreading infected fluid into the abdomen. There is no way to prevent appendicitis once it develops and surgery is the only treatment, Maher says. If the appendix is removed in the early stages of pain, you can be discharged from the hospital after a few days with little chance of serious complications. The risk of complications is greater from a ruptured appendix because infected fluid spreads into the abdomen. Your physician probably will prescribe medication following surgery.
Recovery can take two to six weeks.
Appendicitis can affect people of all ages but is more difficult to diagnose in children under age four and in adults over 70. In these individuals the appendix may burst without causing the usual symptoms and so in these age groups, a ruptured appendix is more common, Maher says. The incidence of appendicitis is declining and now affects only six out of 100 people. Sometimes, if you request it, your surgeon can remove your appendix during another surgical procedure being conducted near the appendix, such as a hysterectomy. This is done only if it doesn't increase the risks associated with the original surgery, he adds.