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Appendectomy Center - Conway, AR

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Conway, Arkansas

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Appendectomy

What is the appendix?

The appendix is a closed-ended, narrow tube that attaches to the cecum (the first part of the colon) like a worm. (The anatomical name for the appendix, vermiform appendix, means worm-like appendage.) The inner lining of the appendix produces a small amount of mucus that flows through the appendix and into the cecum. The wall of the appendix contains lymphatic tissue that is part of the immune system for making antibodies. Like the rest of the colon, the wall of the appendix also contains a layer of muscle.

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It is thought that appendicitis begins when the opening from the appendix into the cecum becomes blocked. The blockage may be due to a build-up of thick mucus within the appendix or to stool that enters the appendix from the cecum. The mucus or stool hardens, becomes rock-like, and blocks the opening. This rock is called a fecalith (literally, a rock of stool). At other times, the lymphatic tissue in the appendix may swell and block the appendix. Bacteria which normally are found within the appendix then begin to invade (infect) the wall of the appendix. The body responds to the invasion by mounting an attack on the bacteria, an attack called inflammation. (An alternative theory for the cause of appendicitis is an initial rupture of the appendix followed by spread of bacteria outside the appendix.. The cause of such a rupture is unclear, but it may relate to changes that occur in the lymphatic tissue that line the wall of the appendix.)

If the inflammation and infection spread through the wall of the appendix, the appendix can rupture. After rupture, infection can spread throughout the abdomen; however, it usually is confined to a small area surrounding the appendix (forming a peri-appendiceal abscess).

Sometimes, the body is successful in containing ("healing") the appendicitis with...

Recommended Reading Related to Appendectomy

The Digestive System »

Digestion Introduction

"Just a spoonful of sugar... " goes the song. But what happens to that sugar once you swallow it? In fact, how is it that you are able to swallow it at all? Your digestive system performs amazing feats every day, whether you eat a double cheeseburger or a stalk of celery. Read on to learn what exactly happens to food as it makes its way through your digestive system.

What Is Digestion?

Digestion is the complex process of turning the food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestion process also involves creating waste to be eliminated.

The digestive tract (or gut) is a long twisting tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. It is made up of a series of muscles that coordinate the movement of food and other cells that produce enzymes and hormones to aid in the breakdown of food. Along the way are three other organs that are needed for digestion: the liver, gallbladder, and the ...

Emergency Contact for Conway

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Conway Hospitals *

Conway Regional Medical Center
2302 College Ave
Conway, AR 72032
(501)329-3831

Methodist Behavioral Hospital
1601 Murphy Dr
Maumelle, AR 72113
(501)803-3388

St Anthony's Medical Center
4 Hospital Dr
Morrilton, AR 72110
(501)977-2300

The BridgeWay Hospital
21 Bridgeway Rd
North Little Rock, AR 72113
(501)771-1500

St Vincent Medical Center North
2215 Wildwood Ave
Sherwood, AR 72120
(501)552-7100

St Vincent Rehabilitation Hospital
2201 Wildwood Ave
Sherwood, AR 72120
(501)834-1800

North Metro Medical Center
1400 Braden St
Jacksonville, AR 72076
(501)985-7000

Eugene J Towbin Healthcare Center
2200 Fort Roots Dr
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501)257-1000

Pinnacle Pointe Hospital
11501 Financial Center Pkwy
Little Rock, AR 72211
(501)223-3322

Baptist Medical Center Little Rock
9601 Interstate 630
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)202-2000

Select Specialty Hospital Little Rock
Two St Vincent Cir
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)661-4198

St Vincent Doctors Hospital
6101 St Vincent Cir
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)552-6000

St Vincent Health System
Two St Vincent Cir
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)552-3000

Arkansas Heart Hospital
1701 S Shackleford Rd
Little Rock, AR 72211
(501)219-7000

Arkansas State Hospital
305 S Palm St
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)686-9000

UAMS Medical Center
4301 W Markham St
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)686-7000

Baptist Health Medical Center North Little Rock
3333 Springhill Dr
North Little Rock, AR 72117
(501)202-3000

John L McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital
4300 W 7th St
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)257-1000

Arkansas Children's Hospital
1 Childrens Way
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501)364-1100

Rivendell Behavioral Health Services
100 Rivendell Dr
Benton, AR 72019
(501)316-1255

Ozark Health Medical Center
2500 Highway 65 S
Clinton, AR 72031
(501)745-7000

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