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Appendectomy Center - Monroe, LA

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Monroe, Louisiana

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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 Monroe

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Monroe Hospitals *

P & S Surgical Hospital
312 Grammont St
Monroe, LA 71201
(318)388-4040

St Francis Medical Center
309 Jackson St
Monroe, LA 71201
(318)327-4000

St Francis Specialty Hospital
309 Jackson St
Monroe, LA 71201
(318)327-4608

Glenwood Regional Medical Center
503 McMillan Rd
West Monroe, LA 71291
(318)329-4200

Monroe Surgical Hospital
2408 Broadmoor Blvd
Monroe, LA 71201
(318)410-0002

Louisiana Extended Care Hospital West Monroe
503 McMillan Rd
West Monroe, LA 71291
(318)329-4300

Golden Age Senior Care Hospital
4310 S Grand St
Monroe, LA 71202
(318)651-0920

Premier Rehabilitation Hospital
4310 S Grand St
Monroe, LA 71202
(318)812-1000

EA Conway Medical Center
4864 Jackson St
Monroe, LA 71202
(318)330-7000

Cornerstone Hospital of West Monroe
6198 Cypress St
West Monroe, LA 71291
(318)396-5600

St Francis North Hospital
3421 Medical Park Dr
Monroe, LA 71203
(318)388-1946

St Patrick's Psychiatric Hospital
3421 Medical Park Dr
Monroe, LA 71203
(318)327-4686

Sterlington Rehabilitation Hospital
111 Highway 2
Sterlington, LA 71280
(318)665-9950

Bastrop Rehabilitation Hospital
323 W Walnut St
Bastrop, LA 71220
(318)556-1191

Morehouse General Hospital
323 W Walnut St
Bastrop, LA 71220
(318)283-3600

Richardson Medical Center
254 Highway 3048
Rayville, LA 71269
(318)728-4181

Union General Hospital
901 James Ave
Farmerville, LA 71241
(318)368-9751

Citizens Medical Center
7939 US Highway 165 S
Columbia, LA 71418
(318)649-6106

Caldwell Memorial Hospital
411 Main St
Columbia, LA 71418
(318)649-6111

Northern Louisiana Medical Center
401 E Vaughn Ave
Ruston, LA 71270
(318)254-2100

HEALTHSOUTH Specialty Hospital North Louisiana
1401 Ezell St
Ruston, LA 71270
(318)251-3126

Franklin Medical Center
2106 Loop Rd
Winnsboro, LA 71295
(318)435-9411

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