What is a ruptured appendix?
Sometimes the appendix is so infected that it actually “bursts open”. This is because of the pus that builds up inside the appendix when it is infected. This causes the added possibility of the infection spreading to the inside of the abdomen around the stomach and intestines. This is called peritonitis and needs to be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes the doctor may suspect that the appendix has ruptured and may start antibiotics even before surgery. If the appendix has ruptured, antibiotics will be continues during and after surgery for several days. A nasogastric tube is often placed through the nose and down into the stomach tIt will be attached to a suction machine to keep the stomach empty until intestinal activity starts again. The incision in the abdomen may be left open for a few days if infection is present, or a drain (a small rubber tube) may be placed in the incision to allow pus or extra fluids to drain from the appendix area. The dressing may or may not need to be chan
