Appendicitis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt care. In Grand Rapids, MI, emergency departments at hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health are equipped to diagnose and treat appendicitis 24/7.

The appendix is a small, narrow tube attached to the cecum, which is part of the large intestine, located in the lower right side of the abdomen. Its exact function in humans is not fully understood, although it may play a minor role in the immune system and gut bacteria balance.

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. This usually happens when the opening of the appendix becomes blocked, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause infection.

Common causes of blockage include:

  • Hardened stool (fecalith)
  • Swollen lymph tissue in the intestinal wall
  • Less commonly, foreign bodies or, rarely, tumors

As pressure builds inside the appendix, blood flow can be cut off, leading to tissue death and possible rupture.

Anyone can develop appendicitis, but it is:

  • More common in children, teens, and young adults
  • Less common after age 30

Appendicitis Is a Medical Emergency

If the inflamed appendix is not treated, it can burst (rupture). When this happens, infected material spills into the abdominal cavity and can cause:

  • Peritonitis – a serious infection of the lining of the abdomen
  • Abscesses – pockets of pus inside the abdomen
  • Sepsis – a life-threatening body-wide infection

These complications can be life-threatening without rapid treatment. In the Grand Rapids area, you should go immediately to the nearest emergency department if appendicitis is suspected.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

Symptoms can vary, especially in young children, older adults, and pregnant women, but common signs include:

  • Pain that often starts near the navel (belly button)
    • Typically begins as a dull or cramping pain
    • Often moves to the lower right side of the abdomen and becomes sharper
  • Worsening abdominal pain, especially with:
    • Coughing
    • Walking or sudden movements
    • Pressing and then quickly releasing pressure on the abdomen
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses
  • Changes in bowel habits:
    • Diarrhea or constipation
    • Inability to pass gas
  • Less common pain locations:
    • Lower back, rectum, or pelvic area, especially if the appendix is in an unusual position

In cold West Michigan winters, people may be less active and more likely to delay going out for care. Do not wait to “see if it goes away” if you have steadily worsening lower right abdominal pain and fever—seek emergency care in Grand Rapids right away.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of acute appendicitis is still unclear. Research suggests that:

  • Obstruction of the appendix is common during appendicitis, but it is not proven to be the only cause.
  • A small amount of stool is often found in the appendix at surgery, but this does not fully explain why appendicitis happens.
  • There is no clear evidence that diet alone causes appendicitis.

Many patients who come to a Grand Rapids emergency room with acute appendicitis likely had milder, earlier episodes that went untreated and resolved on their own. However, because a sudden, severe episode can lead to rupture within about 24–36 hours, it should always be treated as an emergency.

Complications: Perforated (Burst) Appendix

If pus and pressure build up, the appendix can perforate (burst). This can happen in as little as 36 hours from the onset of symptoms.

Signs that the appendix may have ruptured include:

  • Sudden, severe worsening of abdominal pain
  • Pain that may spread across the entire abdomen
  • High fever and chills
  • Feeling very ill, weak, or faint (collapse)
  • Rigid, very tender abdomen

A ruptured appendix can cause peritonitis, which is life-threatening and requires immediate surgery and intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Grand Rapids hospitals have surgical and critical care teams on call to manage these emergencies.

How Appendicitis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Because appendicitis can mimic other conditions, a careful evaluation is essential. Other conditions that can look similar include:

  • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
  • Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)
  • Ovarian cysts or torsion in women
  • Kidney stones or kidney infection
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Pneumonia or other chest infections

Diagnosis usually includes:

Clinical Evaluation

  • Detailed medical history (when pain started, how it changed, associated symptoms)
  • Physical exam focusing on:
    • Location and nature of pain
    • Rebound tenderness (pain when pressure is released)
    • Guarding (tensing of abdominal muscles)

Tests and Imaging

Depending on the hospital (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health), tests may include:

  • Blood tests to check for signs of infection (elevated white blood cell count)
  • Urine test to rule out urinary tract or kidney problems
  • Pregnancy test in women of childbearing age
  • Ultrasound of the abdomen, often used first in children and pregnant women
  • CT scan (computed tomography) of the abdomen and pelvis, which is highly accurate for diagnosing appendicitis

Because untreated appendicitis is dangerous, surgeons in Grand Rapids may err on the side of caution and recommend surgery even if the diagnosis is not 100% certain, especially when symptoms and imaging strongly suggest appendicitis.

Treatment Options for Appendicitis

1. Surgical Removal of the Appendix (Appendectomy)

The standard treatment for most cases of appendicitis in Grand Rapids is surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy (or appendicectomy).

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Appendectomy

In many cases, surgeons at Grand Rapids hospitals can use laparoscopic surgery, which involves:

  • Several small incisions in the abdomen
  • A thin instrument with a camera (laparoscope) inserted through one incision
  • Special instruments used through other small incisions to remove the appendix

Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include:

  • Smaller scars
  • Less pain after surgery
  • Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
  • Quicker return to school, work, or normal activities

Open Appendectomy

If laparoscopic surgery is not possible or safe (for example, if the appendix has already burst or there is a large infection), the surgeon may perform an open appendectomy, which involves:

  • A single incision in the lower right abdomen
  • Removal of the inflamed or ruptured appendix
  • Cleaning and, if needed, draining any pus or infected fluid
  • Closing the incision with stitches or staples

If the appendix has ruptured, the surgeon may place a drain to allow pus and fluid to leave the abdominal cavity while it heals.

Hospital Stay and Recovery

  • Typical hospital stay after an uncomplicated appendectomy is 1–3 days.
  • If the appendix has burst or there is peritonitis, the stay may be longer, often 3–5 days or more, depending on the severity.
  • IV antibiotics are given to reduce the risk of ongoing infection.
  • Most people in Grand Rapids can return to light activity within 1–2 weeks and full activity in 2–4 weeks, depending on the type of surgery and individual recovery.

Removing the appendix does not affect digestion or long-term health for most people.

2. Antibiotic Therapy as an Alternative

In some cases, especially uncomplicated appendicitis (no rupture, abscess, or severe infection), antibiotic therapy alone may be considered.

Studies have shown:

  • About 70% of patients with uncomplicated appendicitis may improve with antibiotics alone and avoid immediate surgery.
  • However, some of these patients may have recurrence of appendicitis later and still need surgery.

Because it is not always clear who will fail antibiotic therapy, in Grand Rapids:

  • Surgery remains the standard treatment for most healthy patients.
  • Antibiotic-only treatment is usually reserved for:
    • Patients who are too frail or high-risk for surgery
    • Certain cases where imaging shows a contained abscess that is better treated first with antibiotics and drainage

The decision is made by your surgical and medical team, often including emergency physicians, surgeons, and sometimes infectious disease specialists.

Living in Grand Rapids: When to Seek Help for Abdominal Pain

With cold winters, icy roads, and seasonal illnesses common in West Michigan, it can be tempting to wait at home when you feel unwell. However, for sudden or worsening abdominal pain, especially on the lower right side, do not delay.

Seek emergency care immediately if you have:

  • Sudden, sharp, or steadily worsening pain in the lower right abdomen
  • Pain that started near the belly button and moved to the right
  • Fever with abdominal pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite with abdominal pain
  • Abdominal pain plus inability to pass gas, bloating, or severe tenderness

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you suspect appendicitis:

  • Call 911 immediately if your pain is severe, you feel faint, or you have trouble standing or walking.
  • Go to the nearest emergency department, such as:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
    • Mercy Health or other local hospital emergency rooms

For non-emergency questions or to discuss symptoms early:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician (for children)
  • Urgent care centers in Grand Rapids (for initial evaluation, if symptoms are mild and you are stable)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can provide information and help connect you with local healthcare resources, especially if you are uninsured or underinsured.

Key Points to Remember About Appendicitis in Grand Rapids

  • Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small tube attached to the large intestine.
  • It is a medical emergency because a burst appendix can cause peritonitis, which can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
  • Anyone can get appendicitis, but it is most common in children, teens, and young adults and less common after age 30.
  • Typical symptoms include:
    • Pain that often starts near the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen
    • Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever
  • Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes ultrasound or CT scan.
  • Treatment options include surgery (laparoscopic or open appendectomy) and, in select cases, antibiotic therapy alone.
  • Removing the appendix does not harm digestion or long-term health for most people.
  • In Grand Rapids, MI, multiple major hospital systems and local public health resources are available to provide rapid, life-saving care for appendicitis.

If you have concerning abdominal pain, do not wait for symptoms to worsen—seek medical care promptly at a Grand Rapids emergency department.