Appendicitis

Appendicitis can likely form from an obstruction that results in infection. Once the lining is obstructed, the appendix fills with mucus and becomes distended, and the wall of the appendix can become ischemic and necrotic. That is where the overgrowth of bacteria can take place. The body then starts displaying symptoms of inflammation, and the appendix can become at risk of perforation, which can lead to a localized abscess. An intra-abdominal abscess may be in only one location or generalized within the peritoneal cavity. In almost all cases, abdominal abscesses contain a polymicrobial collection of both aerobic and anaerobic organisms from the GI tract. The bacteria then cause an inflammatory reaction that results in a hypertonic environment that continues to expand as an abscess cavity. If left untreated, an abscess can lead to septic shock. Peritoneal abscess can form for many different reasons, but some of the more common causes are surgery, trauma, or intra-abdominal infection. (Mehta & Copelin, 2019)