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Appendectomy Center - Kokomo, IN

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Kokomo, Indiana

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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 Kokomo

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Kokomo Hospitals *

St Joseph Hospital Kokomo
1907 W Sycamore St
Kokomo, IN 46901
(765)456-5433

Howard Regional Health System West Campus
829 N Dixon Rd
Kokomo, IN 46901
(765)452-6700

Howard Regional Health System Main Campus
3500 S Lafountain St
Kokomo, IN 46902
(765)453-0702

Tipton Hospital
1000 S Main St
Tipton, IN 46072
(765)675-8500

Dukes Memorial Hospital
275 W 12th St
Peru, IN 46970
(765)472-8000

St Vincent Mercy Hospital
1331 South A St
Elwood, IN 46036
(765)552-4600

Logansport Memorial Hospital
1101 Michigan Ave
Logansport, IN 46947
(574)753-7541

Logansport State Hospital
1098 S State Road 25
Logansport, IN 46947
(574)722-4141

Marion General Hospital
441 N Wabash Ave
Marion, IN 46952
(765)662-1441

St Vincent Frankfort Hospital
1300 S Jackson St
Frankfort, IN 46041
(765)656-3000

VA Northern Indiana Health Care System Marion Campus
1700 E 38th St
Marion, IN 46953
(765)674-3321

Wabash County Hospital
710 N East St
Wabash, IN 46992
(260)563-3131

Riverview Hospital
395 Westfield Rd
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317)773-0760

Community Hospital Anderson
1515 N Madison Ave
Anderson, IN 46011
(765)298-4242

Witham Memorial Hospital
2605 N Lebanon St
Lebanon, IN 46052
(765)485-8000

St Vincent Carmel Hospital
13500 N Meridian St
Carmel, IN 46032
(317)582-7000

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