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Acute Appendicitis — Frequently Asked Questions

  • Prof. Dr. Zahid Mahmood
  • August 16, 2026

Acute Appendicitis — Frequently Asked Questions

Answered by Prof. Dr. Zahid Mahmood — General, Laparoscopic & Laser Surgeon, Lahore.

What is the first sign of appendicitis?

Usually a vague, cramping pain around the navel that, over several hours, shifts to the lower-right side of the abdomen and becomes sharp and constant, along with loss of appetite and nausea.

Is appendicitis an emergency?

Yes. It can progress to a burst appendix and serious infection, so it needs prompt assessment and, usually, prompt surgery.

Can appendicitis go away on its own?

Occasionally very early inflammation settles, but this cannot be relied upon, and appendicitis often progresses or returns. Persistent, worsening pain should be assessed rather than waited out.

Why does the pain move from the navel to the lower right?

At first the brain senses the inflamed appendix only as a vague central ache. As the inflammation reaches the surface and irritates the abdominal wall in the lower right, the pain becomes sharp and localised there.

Is loss of appetite important?

Yes. It is one of the most consistent features of appendicitis, especially in children. A child with tummy pain who won’t eat should be taken seriously.

Is the surgery serious?

Appendix removal is one of the most common and safe operations, especially by keyhole surgery, and most patients recover quickly. It is more involved if the appendix has already burst — which is why early treatment matters.

How long is the recovery?

After keyhole surgery, many people go home within a day or two and return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Recovery is longer if the appendix had burst.

Can I live normally without my appendix?

Yes, completely. The appendix is not essential, and its removal has no lasting effect on digestion or health.

Can appendicitis be treated with antibiotics instead of surgery?

In some selected early cases, antibiotics can settle it, but it often returns and needs surgery, and this is not suitable if there is a blockage or complication. Surgery remains the definitive cure.

Does keyhole surgery leave a big scar?

No. Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery uses three small incisions, leaving small scars, with less pain and a faster recovery than the open operation.

Is appendicitis dangerous in children?

It can be, because it is harder to diagnose and can progress quickly. Loss of appetite, vomiting, a fever, and a child who is unwell with tummy pain should be assessed promptly.

Can appendicitis happen in pregnancy?

Yes, and it can be harder to diagnose because the appendix is pushed out of its usual position. Abdominal pain in pregnancy should always be assessed promptly.

What happens if the appendix bursts?

Infection spreads into the abdomen, causing peritonitis or an abscess. This is serious and needs urgent treatment with a longer recovery — which is exactly what prompt surgery prevents.

Should I take painkillers for the pain?

Avoid strong painkillers if you suspect appendicitis, as they mask the symptoms and can delay treatment. Get assessed promptly instead.

Is keyhole appendix surgery available in Lahore?

Yes. Laparoscopic appendicectomy is well established and is a procedure I perform routinely.

How do I book a consultation?

Call Prof. Dr. Zahid Mahmood on 0300 413 0159, or visit professorzahid.com. For sudden severe abdominal pain, go to the nearest emergency department.

This page is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation.

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