If you suspect appendicitis, go to the emergency department. Do not wait for an office appointment, and do not take strong painkillers that hide the picture. Hospital Galenia, Cancún. Switchboard 998 891 5200.
How it starts
At first the pain can be vague, near the navel, with nausea or a low fever. It then settles low and on the right, and hurts more when you walk, cough, or release the hand that was pressing on the abdomen.
Not every case reads the same way. Children, older adults and pregnancy can present differently. That is why it is not ruled out by phone or with a symptom list.
What not to do while you decide
Do not take a laxative to “bring the swelling down”, strong painkillers, or antibiotics you have at home. They can change the pain without treating the cause, and they make the examination harder.
Eating or drinking “just in case” is also a poor idea if you are already going to hospital: if surgery is needed, anaesthesia requires fasting. In the emergency department they will tell you from when that fast counts.
What happens when you arrive
In the emergency department you are examined, blood tests are taken and, when needed, an ultrasound or a CT scan. If the diagnosis is confirmed and the case allows it, the appendix is removed laparoscopically. If it has perforated, the stay is longer and antibiotics are completed. That is explained at the hospital, not before anyone has seen you.
If you have medical insurance, say so on arrival. The emergency paperwork starts at the hospital. What is covered depends on your policy.
When the case is mine, I operate. You can ask the hospital to reach me.
This guide is for orientation. It does not replace a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book and wait until tomorrow?
No, if the picture is appendicitis. It is seen in the emergency department. An office appointment lets hours pass that matter.
Does a normal blood test rule it out?
Not on its own. The decision puts together the examination, the blood tests and, if needed, imaging. That is why it is done at the hospital.
Is it always laparoscopic?
When the case allows it, yes. If the appendix is very inflamed or has perforated, the approach can be different. That is decided when the case is seen, and it is explained.
