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Appendicitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pain starting near the navel and shifting to the lower right abdomen is a common sign of acute appendicitis.

Prompt medical evaluation is essential to prevent complications such as perforation and infection.

Dr Thng Yongxian

Appendix Specialist
Dual Fellowship-Trained Surgeon
MBBS • MMed • MRCS (IRE) • FRCSED • FAMS

24/7 Emergency Contact

The specialist behind your care

Dr Thng Yongxian

Senior Consultant

HEPATOPANCREATOBILIARY & GENERAL SURGEON

MBBS (SG) • MMed (Surg) • MRCS (Ire) • FRCSEd (Gen) • FAMS (Surg)

20+ years of experience

Keyhole surgery expertise

Former clinical lead at NUHS

Support with insurance pre-authorisations

20+ years of experience

Keyhole surgery expertise

Former clinical lead at NUHS

Support with insurance pre-authorisations

CONSULT DR THNG YONGXIAN

What is appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed, often due to a blockage that allows bacteria to multiply, leading to infection and swelling.

If untreated, the appendix can rupture, usually within 24 to 72 hours after symptoms begin, increasing the risk of peritonitis—a severe infection of the abdominal cavity.

 

The condition typically starts with vague pain around the navel, which gradually shifts to sharp, localized pain in the lower right abdomen as inflammation worsens.

CONSULT DR THNG YONGXIAN

Risk factors and symptoms of appendicitis

Risk Factors

Blocked Appendix Opening

The appendix can become blocked by hardened stool (fecaliths), enlarged lymph tissue, or, in rare cases, tumors, leading to inflammation and bacterial overgrowth.

Genetics

A family history of appendicitis may increase the risk, though it is not strictly hereditary.

Age

Appendicitis is most common between ages 10 and 30, but it can occur at any age.

Gender

Males have a slightly higher risk of developing appendicitis than females.

Gastrointestinal Infection

Some infections affecting the digestive tract may contribute to appendix inflammation, though the link is not fully established.

Potential Symptoms

Abdominal Pain and Tenderness

Pain typically starts near the navel before moving to the lower right abdomen, gradually intensifying from dull to sharp and persistent.​

Nausea and Vomiting

Many patients experience nausea, sometimes followed by vomiting, typically after the onset of abdominal pain.​

Loss of Appetite

A sudden lack of interest in food is common and often accompanies discomfort or nausea.

Bowel Changes

Some individuals may experience diarrhea or constipation, though these are less common symptoms.

Mild Fever

A low-grade fever (37.5°C–38°C) may occur due to inflammation, with a higher fever suggesting possible complications.

When and why it is important to seek medical attention

If you experience symptoms of appendicitis, it is crucial to seek medical advice immediately. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent serious complications, including a ruptured appendix and potentially life-threatening infections.

 

If you suspect appendicitis, our specialist is available at all times for advice and treatment.

CONTACT US: 9838 5827

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

Physical Examination

Your doctor checks for abdominal tenderness, rebound pain, and signs like the Rovsing sign, where left-side pressure causes right-side pain.

Blood Tests

Elevated white blood cell levels indicate infection, while other markers assess inflammation severity.

Imaging Tests

CT scans provide 98% diagnostic accuracy, while ultrasound is useful for children and pregnant women.

Urine Analysis

Helps rule out urinary tract infections and kidney stones with similar symptoms.

What is the treatment for appendicitis?

The standard care for acute appendicitis is surgery (appendectomy), as the condition does not resolve on its own. Removing the inflamed appendix prevents rupture and life-threatening complications.

 

An appendectomy is a common and safe procedure that can be performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive) or through open surgery, depending on severity. Antibiotics may be given before surgery to manage infection.

 

If the appendix has ruptured, the procedure may also involve draining abscesses and cleaning the abdominal cavity.

 

Recovery is generally quick, with most patients discharged within a few hours to a couple of days. With proper care, normal activities can resume within a few weeks.

 

There are two main types of appendectomy:

Open Appendectomy

  • How It Works: A single incision is made in the lower right abdomen to remove the appendix, followed by a straightforward closure.
  • Recovery: Healing takes longer than laparoscopic surgery, with a slightly higher risk of infection. Open surgery is usually for ruptured appendicitis or when laparoscopy isn’t suitable.

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Appendectomy

  • How It Works: Small incisions are made, and a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) and specialised instruments are used to remove the appendix.
  • Recovery: Patients typically recover faster, experience less postoperative pain, and have minimal scarring compared to open surgery.

Adjusting and recovering from an appendectomy

Patients generally resume normal activities after appendix removal without long-term health effects. While the appendix may have a minor role in gut health, the risk of rupture outweighs its function.


An appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure with no significant long-term consequences.

If you think you may have appendicitis, seek prompt care from our specialist.

CONTACT US: 9838 5827

Dr Thng Yongxian

Senior Consultant

HEPATOPANCREATOBILIARY & GENERAL SURGEON

MBBS (SG) • MMed (Surg) • MRCS (Ire) • FRCSEd (Gen) • FAMS (Surg)

Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.

  • Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery
  • National University of Singapore
  • Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
  • Master of Medicine, General Surgery, Singapore
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore

He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.

 

Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.

 

Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).

CONSULT DR THNG YONGXIAN

Patient Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Appendicitis Surgery in Singapore

According to MOH fee benchmarks, the cost of an appendectomy in Singapore ranges from SGD 4,700 to SGD 7,500 (before GST), covering the surgeon’s fees only. This estimate excludes hospital charges, consultation, and consumables.

 

These figures are estimates, and the final cost may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and additional medical requirements. As appendicitis surgery has an assigned surgical code, it may be eligible for insurance claims or Medisave subsidies.

 

For detailed cost inquiries, please contact our clinic.

If the appendix bursts and infection spreads in the abdomen, immediate surgery is needed to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity.

If a ruptured appendix leads to an abscess (a pocket of infection), your surgeon will drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.

An appendectomy is usually performed once the infection is under control. In some cases, the appendix may be removed immediately after the abscess is drained.

In some cases, mild appendicitis may be managed with antibiotics alone, but this is not always a long-term solution. Surgery remains the most effective treatment to prevent complications like rupture and recurrent infections. Your doctor will assess the best approach based on your condition.

Yes, appendicitis surgery is eligible for Medisave and health insurance claims, as it is assigned a surgical code.

 

Our clinic can assist with pre-approvals, claims, and necessary documentation to streamline the process.

 

For more information, feel free to contact us or check with your insurance provider for detailed guidance.

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