What are the common symptoms of appendicitis. How quickly can an appendix rupture if left untreated. What complications can arise from a burst appendix. Why is immediate medical attention crucial for suspected appendicitis.

Understanding Appendicitis: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition

Appendicitis is a serious medical condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped tube connected to the large intestine. While commonly perceived as a routine ailment, appendicitis can lead to severe complications if not promptly addressed. This article delves into the intricacies of appendicitis, its symptoms, and the critical importance of seeking immediate medical care.

What Exactly is the Appendix?

The appendix is a small, pouch-like structure located near the junction of the small and large intestines. Although its exact function remains debated, recent research suggests it may play a role in maintaining gut health and supporting the immune system. Despite its potential benefits, the appendix is not essential for survival, and its removal does not typically impact overall health.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Appendicitis

Identifying appendicitis can be challenging, as its symptoms often mimic other gastrointestinal issues. However, being aware of the following common signs can help expedite diagnosis and treatment:

• Sudden onset of abdominal pain, often starting around the navel and migrating to the lower right side
• Fever and chills
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Pain that worsens with movement or coughing
• Constipation or diarrhea

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary between individuals, and not all patients will experience every listed symptom. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek medical evaluation.

How Quickly Does Appendicitis Progress?

The progression of appendicitis can be rapid, making timely intervention crucial. In most cases, symptoms worsen over a period of 24 to 48 hours. Without treatment, the risk of appendix rupture increases significantly after this timeframe. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

The Dangers of a Ruptured Appendix

A burst or ruptured appendix is a severe complication of untreated appendicitis. When the appendix ruptures, its contents, including bacteria and pus, spill into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to a host of serious issues:

1. Peritonitis: A widespread infection of the abdominal lining
2. Abscess formation: Pockets of infection that can develop in various parts of the abdomen
3. Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic infection that can affect multiple organs
4. Bowel obstruction: Scar tissue formation that can block the intestines
5. Infertility in women: Due to scarring of the fallopian tubes

How Long Does It Take for an Appendix to Rupture?

The timeframe for appendix rupture can vary, but it typically occurs within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. However, in some cases, rupture can happen sooner or later. This unpredictability underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical care when appendicitis is suspected.

Diagnosing Appendicitis: The Importance of Prompt Evaluation

Accurate diagnosis of appendicitis often requires a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Blood tests to check for signs of infection
• Urine analysis to rule out urinary tract infections
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan for detailed imaging of the appendix and surrounding structures
• MRI, particularly for pregnant women or children

Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing complications and determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Can Appendicitis Be Mistaken for Other Conditions?

Yes, appendicitis can be confused with other medical conditions due to its overlapping symptoms. Some conditions that may mimic appendicitis include:

• Gastroenteritis
• Urinary tract infections
• Ovarian cysts or torsion in women
• Crohn’s disease
• Diverticulitis

This potential for misdiagnosis emphasizes the need for thorough medical evaluation when abdominal pain and related symptoms occur.

Treatment Options for Appendicitis

The primary treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy. This procedure can be performed through traditional open surgery or laparoscopically, depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s preference. In some cases, particularly if the appendix has already ruptured, antibiotics may be administered before surgery to control infection.

Is Non-Surgical Treatment Ever an Option?

In recent years, some studies have explored the use of antibiotics alone to treat uncomplicated appendicitis. While this approach has shown promise in certain cases, it remains controversial and is not universally accepted. The decision to pursue non-surgical treatment should be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a medical professional.

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook After Appendicitis

Recovery from appendicitis and appendectomy varies depending on the severity of the condition and the type of surgery performed. In general, patients can expect:

• A hospital stay of 1-3 days for uncomplicated cases
• Longer recovery periods for cases involving rupture or complications
• Gradual return to normal activities over 2-4 weeks
• Minimal long-term effects on digestive function or overall health

Following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for ensuring proper healing and identifying any potential complications early.

Are There Any Long-Term Consequences of Appendix Removal?

For the vast majority of patients, living without an appendix does not cause any noticeable changes in daily life or health. Some studies suggest a slightly increased risk of certain gastrointestinal conditions, but these risks are generally considered minimal compared to the dangers of untreated appendicitis.

Preventing Appendicitis: Is It Possible?

While there’s no surefire way to prevent appendicitis, some lifestyle factors may help reduce the risk:

• Maintaining a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Staying hydrated
• Practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections
• Regular exercise to promote overall digestive health

It’s important to note that even with these measures, appendicitis can still occur, and prompt attention to symptoms remains crucial.

Do Certain Populations Have a Higher Risk of Appendicitis?

While appendicitis can affect anyone, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

• Age: Most common in people between 10 and 30 years old
• Family history: Those with a close relative who has had appendicitis may be at higher risk
• Sex: Slightly more common in males
• Certain medical conditions: Such as cystic fibrosis or inflammatory bowel disease

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare providers remain vigilant for signs of appendicitis.

The Role of Imaging in Diagnosing Appendicitis

Advancements in medical imaging have significantly improved the accuracy of appendicitis diagnosis. Modern imaging techniques not only help confirm the presence of appendicitis but also assist in identifying potential complications or alternative diagnoses. The most commonly used imaging modalities include:

• Computed Tomography (CT): Offers detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen
• Ultrasound: Non-invasive and radiation-free, particularly useful for children and pregnant women
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides high-resolution images without radiation exposure

The choice of imaging technique depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, pregnancy status, and overall health condition.

How Accurate Are Imaging Studies in Diagnosing Appendicitis?

Modern imaging techniques have significantly improved the accuracy of appendicitis diagnosis. CT scans, for instance, have a sensitivity and specificity of over 90% for detecting appendicitis. Ultrasound, while less accurate than CT, still plays a crucial role, especially in pediatric cases where minimizing radiation exposure is a priority. The combination of clinical assessment and appropriate imaging studies has greatly reduced the rate of unnecessary surgeries and missed diagnoses.

Appendicitis in Special Populations

Diagnosing and treating appendicitis can be particularly challenging in certain groups of patients. These special populations require careful consideration and often modified approaches:

Appendicitis During Pregnancy

Pregnant women face unique challenges when it comes to appendicitis diagnosis and treatment. The growing uterus can displace the appendix, altering the typical presentation of symptoms. Additionally, concerns about fetal exposure to radiation from imaging studies and anesthesia during surgery must be carefully weighed. Despite these challenges, prompt treatment remains essential to protect both mother and baby.

Pediatric Appendicitis

Children, especially young ones, may have difficulty communicating their symptoms accurately. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and increased risk of complications. Pediatric patients also have a higher risk of appendix rupture due to their thinner appendix walls. Specialized pediatric care and age-appropriate diagnostic approaches are crucial in managing appendicitis in children.

Appendicitis in the Elderly

Older adults may present with atypical symptoms of appendicitis, making diagnosis more challenging. They are also at higher risk for complications due to potential underlying health conditions and delayed presentation. A high index of suspicion and prompt evaluation are particularly important in this age group.

Understanding these nuances in different patient populations helps healthcare providers tailor their diagnostic and treatment approaches, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all patients facing appendicitis.

What Can Happen If Your Appendix Bursts?

Appendicitis: Understanding a Common Condition and its Life-Threatening Risks

Introduction:

If you have ever heard someone say they have had appendicitis, you may think of it as a common ailment. However, appendicitis is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications. This blog will discuss appendicitis, its symptoms, and the importance of prompt medical attention. We will also explore the risks of untreated appendicitis, including what can happen if your appendix bursts.

What is appendicitis?

The appendix is a thin, pouch-like tube that lies near the meeting point of the small and large intestines. Appendicitis is a common condition that involves inflammation and/or infection of the appendix. The precise cause of appendicitis is not well understood, and it can affect anyone at any time, although it is more frequently seen in children. Because appendicitis can lead to widespread infection, a ruptured appendix, and other severe or life-threatening complications, almost immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary.

Symptoms of appendicitis:

The signs and symptoms of appendicitis can mimic those of other conditions, making it a difficult ailment to self-diagnose. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain that migrates and settles in the lower right side
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Pain with physical activity

What happens when your appendix bursts?

When appendicitis is left untreated, bacteria and pus begin to build up in the appendix and cause it to swell. Ultimately, the wall of the appendix is compromised, allowing the pus and other bacteria to ooze out into the abdominal cavity. Though it is not an explosive event, this is referred to as bursting or rupturing of the appendix. As the infection spreads throughout the abdomen, patients often experience worsening symptoms, including high fever and severe pain.

Most cases of a ruptured appendix occur about 48 – 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. A ruptured appendix is always considered an emergency and requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, a ruptured appendix can lead to widespread infection, abscess, sepsis (an infection in the bloodstream), and even death.

Why seek immediate medical attention?

To ensure your health and safety, signs and symptoms of appendicitis should be evaluated immediately by a medical professional. The award-winning team of board-certified emergency room physicians at iCare ER & Urgent Care is highly experienced in the early detection and treatment of appendicitis in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX. During your visit, you will be evaluated promptly and may undergo lab work, imaging studies, and other tests to determine with certainty whether your symptoms are related to appendicitis.

Conclusion:

Appendicitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect that you or someone you know has appendicitis, seek prompt medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.  At iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX we are committed to providing almost immediate appendicitis treatment in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX. Our expert team of board-certified ER physicians and medical professionals is available 24/7 to evaluate and treat all of your emergency medical needs.

Appendicitis – Digestive Disorders – Merck Manuals Consumer Version

By

Parswa Ansari

, MD, Hofstra Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital, New York

Reviewed/Revised Apr 2023

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Appendicitis is inflammation and infection of the appendix.

• Often a blockage inside the appendix causes the appendix to become inflamed and infected.

• Abdominal pain, nausea, and fever are common.

• Exploratory surgery or an imaging test, such as computed tomography or ultrasonography, is done.

• Treatment involves surgery to remove the appendix and antibiotics to treat the infection.

(See also Acute Abdominal Pain Overview of Gastrointestinal Emergencies Certain gastrointestinal disorders can be life threatening and require emergency treatment. For many people, emergency treatment involves surgery. Abdominal pain, often severe, usually accompanies… read more .)

The appendix is a small finger-shaped tube projecting from the large intestine near the point where it joins the small intestine. The appendix may have some immune function, but it is not an essential organ.

The Digestive System

Appendicitis is the most common cause of sudden, severe abdominal pain and abdominal surgery in the United States. Over 5% of the population develops appendicitis at some point. Appendicitis most commonly occurs during adolescence and in the 20s but may occur at any age.

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Appendicitis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9amif1DQMc) by Osmosis (https://open.osmosis.org/) is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).

The cause of appendicitis is not fully understood. However, in most cases, a blockage inside the appendix probably starts a process. The blockage may be from a small, hard piece of stool (fecalith), a foreign body, tumor, or, rarely, even worms. As a result of the blockage, the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. If inflammation continues without treatment, the appendix can rupture.

A ruptured appendix may cause a pus-filled pocket of infection (abscess Abdominal Abscesses An abscess is a pocket of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Most people have constant abdominal pain and a fever. Computed tomography or another imaging test can distinguish an abscess… read more ) to form. As a result, peritonitis Peritonitis Abdominal pain is common and often minor. Severe abdominal pain that comes on quickly, however, almost always indicates a significant problem. The pain may be the only sign of the need for surgery… read more (inflammation and usually infection of the abdominal cavity, which may result in a life-threatening infection) may develop. In a woman, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may become infected, and the resulting scarring may block the fallopian tubes and cause infertility. A ruptured appendix also may allow bacteria to infect the bloodstream—a life-threatening condition called sepsis Sepsis and Septic Shock Sepsis is a serious bodywide response to bacteremia or another infection plus malfunction or failure of an essential system in the body. Septic shock is life-threatening low blood pressure … read more .

Pain begins in the upper abdomen or around the navel, then nausea and vomiting develop, and then, after a few hours, the nausea passes, and the pain shifts to the right lower portion of the abdomen. Although these symptoms are the most traditionally described, fewer than 50% of people with appendicitis have them.

When a doctor presses on the right lower portion of the abdomen, it is tender, and when the pressure is released, the pain may increase sharply (rebound tenderness).

A fever of 100° to 101° F (37.7° to 38.3° C) is common. Moving and coughing increase the pain.

In many people, particularly infants and children, the pain may be widespread rather than confined to the right lower portion of the abdomen. In older people and in pregnant women, the pain may be less severe, and the area is less tender.

If the appendix ruptures, pain may lessen for several hours. Then, peritonitis occurs, and pain and fever may become severe. Worsening infection can lead to shock Shock Shock is a life-threatening condition in which blood flow to the organs is low, decreasing delivery of oxygen and thus causing organ damage and sometimes death. Blood pressure is usually low. .. read more .

Did You Know…

A doctor may suspect appendicitis after reviewing the person’s symptoms and examining the abdomen. Typically, surgery is done immediately if the doctor strongly suspects appendicitis.

If the diagnosis of appendicitis is not clear, doctors usually do an imaging test such as computed tomography Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Digestive Tract Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are good tests for assessing the size and location of abdominal organs. Additionally, cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous… read more (CT) or ultrasonography Ultrasound Scanning (Ultrasonography) of the Abdomen Ultrasound scanning uses sound waves to produce pictures of internal organs (see also Ultrasonography). An ultrasound scan can show the size and shape of many organs, such as the liver and pancreas… read more . Ultrasonography is particularly useful in children, in whom it is important to limit radiation exposure to reduce the risk of future cancers.

Surgeons can also do laparoscopy Laparoscopy Laparoscopy is an examination of the abdominal cavity using a fiberoptic instrument inserted through the abdominal wall. This is a surgical procedure done in an operating room. People are given… read more to explore the abdominal cavity and help determine the diagnosis.

A blood test often shows a moderate increase in the white blood cell count because of the infection, but there is no definitive blood test for appendicitis.

Surgery is the main treatment of appendicitis. Delaying surgery until the cause of the abdominal pain is certain can be fatal: An infected appendix can rupture less than 36 hours after symptoms begin.

VIDEO

If appendicitis is found, fluids and antibiotics are given by vein and the appendix is removed (appendectomy). If the doctor does an operation and appendicitis is not found, the appendix is usually removed anyway to prevent any future risk of appendicitis.

There has been recent interest in treating appendicitis only with antibiotics, so that surgery can be postponed or avoided. Although this treatment may be successful in some people, many of them eventually need surgery. Surgical removal of the appendix is still considered the most effective and thus usually the recommended treatment for appendicitis.

With an early operation, the chance of death from appendicitis is very low. The person can usually leave the hospital in 1 to 3 days, and recovery is normally quick and complete. However, older people often take longer to recover.

Without surgery or antibiotics (as might occur in a person in a remote location without access to modern medical care), more than 50% of people with appendicitis die.

The prognosis is worse for people who have a ruptured appendix, an abscess, or peritonitis.

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Why appendicitis is dangerous and how to deal with it

In the right iliac region of a person there is an appendix – a worm-like appendage of the caecum up to 1 cm thick and up to 23 cm long (usually 7-9 cm). It performs a protective function of the body due to the accumulation of lymphoid tissue in it. In addition, it plays an important role in maintaining the intestinal microflora.

Inflammation of this process is called appendicitis. Until now, the most common method of treating appendicitis is the removal of the appendix, however, in recent decades, the prevalence of antibiotic therapy has gradually increased.

One of the first known operations to remove the appendix was performed in 1735 in London by the royal surgeon Clodis Amiand. He operated on an 11-year-old child who soon recovered. By 1839, the clinical picture of acute appendicitis was described in detail, it was also established that it is an independent disease, and not a complication of inflammation of the caecum, as previously thought.

The term “appendicitis” appeared in 1886, it was introduced by the American physiologist Reginald Gerber Fitz. Then it was found that the optimal method of treatment is the removal of the appendix. In Russia, the first operation to remove the appendix was performed in 1890 year. However, they began to be carried out regularly only after the IX Congress of Russian Surgeons in 1909 – before that, doctors adhered to a wait-and-see approach, resorting to surgical intervention only in extreme cases.

The first doctor to operate on himself was the American surgeon Evan Kane in 1921. He successfully removed his own appendix as part of a study of patient tolerance to local anesthesia.

And in 1961, the Soviet surgeon Leonid Rogozov, a member of the 6th Soviet Antarctic Expedition, operated on himself.

During the expedition, he discovered a clinical picture of acute appendicitis, conservative treatment – rest, hunger, local cold and antibiotics – did not help. It was impossible to get to the hospital.

With the help of other members of the expedition, who gave instruments and monitored Rogozov’s condition, the surgeon operated on himself for almost two hours. Because of the weakness that appeared during the operation, he now and then had to pause. But he successfully completed the operation, and a week later he removed the stitches.

“At the most difficult stage of the appendix removal, I lost heart: my heart stopped and noticeably slowed down, and my hands became like rubber,” Rogozov recalled. Well, I thought, this will end badly. But all that remained was to actually remove the appendix! But then I realized that I was actually already saved!”

Appendicitis manifests itself at any age, but mostly at 15-35 years. Women experience it 2-3 times more often than men, but men are more likely to experience complications. The removal of the appendix accounts for up to 80% of all emergency operations. The incidence of acute appendicitis is 4-5 cases per 1000 people per year.

The main symptoms of appendicitis are pain in the right side, fever, nausea and vomiting. On palpation of the right iliac region, appendicitis is characterized by increased pain with a sharp decrease in pressure.

In clinical practice, there are two forms of appendicitis – acute and chronic. When acute appendicitis occurs, urgent treatment is necessary, the main cause of death is a delay of more than two days between the onset of symptoms and the start of treatment.

Delay threatens the development of complications, for example, the formation of appendicular infiltrate – an accumulation of densely fused altered tissues. In this case, it is no longer possible to remove the appendix – it turns out to be inseparable from the surrounding tissues. The infiltrate can resolve on its own, which most often happens, or lead to suppuration with the formation of an abscess.

Another common complication is diffuse purulent peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum, complicated by the appearance of purulent foci.

Peritonitis directly threatens the patient’s life and in this case, an early operation is simply necessary.

Chronic appendicitis is rare. It occurs after acute appendicitis and is characterized by atrophic changes in the tissues of the appendix.

There are many theories for the development of acute appendicitis. According to the mechanical theory, it occurs due to blockage of the lumen of the appendix, mainly by fecal stones. When the lumen is filled with mucous secretion, the diameter of the process increases several times. This compresses the vessels inside the appendix itself, which leads to acute inflammation and necrosis.

Another cause of inflammation of the appendix can be an infection – the causative agents of infectious diseases, penetrating into the mucous membrane of the organ, lead to the development of appendicitis. It is also assumed that appendicitis may occur due to vascular spasms and circulatory disorders in the intestinal tissues.

At risk are people who regularly suffer from constipation. It is also assumed that the incidence of acute appendicitis is associated with a low content of vegetable fiber in the diet.

In the past 20 years, research has shown that appendicitis can be successfully treated with antibiotics, and the number of surgeries performed in the US has halved.

However, analysis of almost half a million registered cases of appendicitis showed that those patients who were operated on the first or second day after going to the hospital died from possible complications 2.4 times less than those who were treated with non-surgical methods.

It turned out that older people were more likely to undergo conservative treatment, which further worried the researchers.

“U.S. surgeons choose older patients for non-surgical treatment because they may not be the best candidates for surgery,” explains study lead author Dr. Isaiah Turnbull. —

However, these patients are at increased risk of poor outcomes because if treatment fails, their body does not have the resources to fight the disease. ”

However, antibiotic treatment of appendicitis is good suitable for children. An analysis of 404 cases of acute appendicitis in childhood showed that with an uncomplicated course of the disease, treatment with antibiotics is successful in 90% of cases. However, if appendicolitis occurs (exit of a stone from the appendix into the abdominal cavity) or other complications, it is still recommended to resort to surgical treatment.

In the Chelyabinsk region, a young guy with appendicitis died in the hospital due to a mistake by doctors Semeykina in the social network, Polina Avdoshina (collage)

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21-year-old Igor Semeikin died in Magnitogorsk city hospital No. 3 after a routine operation to remove the appendix. The boy’s parents are sure that the doctors made a mistake during the operation and appealed to the prosecutor’s office. Details and comments of the parties are in the material 74.RU.

— My son had a stomachache in the evening. He took painkillers and went to bed. And in the morning, apparently, the pain intensified, so I called an ambulance, ”recalls the guy’s mother Natalya Semeykina. – He wrote me the last message at about six o’clock in the morning: “Mom, don’t worry, they took me to the operation, I’ll call you back later.” And in the morning the doctor called and said that the son was in serious condition.

The operation was carried out on 14 January. When the parents arrived at the hospital, Igor was in intensive care.

— At the hospital, we were told that he was given spinal anesthesia, his appendix was operated on. And then his lungs gave out, he stopped breathing. Then there was a cardiac arrest, they started it for seven minutes, and then connected it to the apparatus, because the organs were no longer working, the woman says in tears.

When the parents arrived at the hospital for the second time, in the late afternoon, their son’s condition worsened even more.

— The doctors said that the body is not fighting, brain edema has begun. We returned home at seven o’clock from the hospital, and at 19 o’clock he had already died, – says Natalya.

Relatives cannot come to terms with the loss of their son

Photo: courtesy of Igor Semeikin’s family

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The next morning, the boy’s parents came to the hospital to talk to the head physician, but the meeting did not take place.

– They didn’t tell us anything else. We waited an hour and a half for the chief doctor, but he did not appear. He sent an older sister who gave us her son’s things. She took our phone and said that she would contact us, because we had to go to the Investigative Committee together to get permission for an autopsy. And at two o’clock they called us and said that the body had already been opened, you can come and pick it up. It turns out that they themselves somehow quickly decided everything, – the woman argues. – And when my husband took the conclusion from the morgue, the pathologist said that during the operation it was necessary to transfer him to general anesthesia, put on a mask, and they, you see, either hesitated, or missed time, I don’t know why …

According to Natalia, her son was healthy and just before his death, he passed a medical examination at the military registration and enlistment office.

– If he was sick, and he only passed a commission in the military registration and enlistment office, they were waiting for an answer that they would send us. He went in for sports with us, went to the “rocking chair”, he was healthy. Maybe it’s an allergic thing, but they should have done something anyway! the young man’s mother lamented. I’m still in a dream, I can’t believe it. He was only 21 years old recently, they were preparing for the wedding, he and the girl had already filed an application, but it turned out like this.

Parents are determined to get the truth and understand what went wrong in the operating room. They contacted the prosecutor’s office.

– We wrote an application, it was accepted, but they said that they would wait until the result of histology from Chelyabinsk came. When the answer comes in a month, they will move on – either initiate a case, or they will refuse, – says Natalia. – We also turned to the insurance company, requested documents, but they told us that they could provide them only at the request of the Investigative Committee, and the committee was also waiting for the result of histology.

Now the Ministry of Health is investigating the circumstances of the tragedy that occurred in hospital No. 3 of Magnitogorsk

Photo: Yandex.ru / maps

check.

“An investigation and our verification are underway, until all the circumstances of the incident are clarified, we cannot comment on what happened there,” the department said.

The prosecutor’s office of the Pravoberezhny district of Magnitogorsk clarified that they had transferred the materials to the Investigative Committee for a pre-investigation check.

Updated at 17:16

The Department of the Chelyabinsk Region Investigative Committee confirmed the verification of the circumstances of the death of Igor Semeykin.

— During the inspection, the circumstances of the incident are established, including a forensic medical examination to determine the cause of death. The necessary examinations will be carried out on compliance with the regulatory requirements and standards of medical services provided by the medical institution. Based on the results of the audit, a procedural decision will be made,” said Vladimir Shishkov, senior assistant to the head of the regional department of the Investigative Committee.

In April 2018, a 17-year-old Chelyabinsk woman died during the same operation. The girl was taken to City Hospital No. 6 with suspected appendicitis, but during a surgical procedure, during which a camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a puncture to assess the state of internal organs, the doctor accidentally touched two large vessels, which caused the patient to start bleeding internally.