Appendicitis symptoms start with belly pain that moves and intensifies in your lower right side. Without surgery, perforated appendicitis can lead to serious complications like peritonitis or sepsis.

That sudden pain in your abdomen might just be indigestion—or it could be something far more serious. When it comes to appendicitis, knowing the difference could save your life. This potentially ...

Dear Dr. Roach • A co-worker of mine recently had a ruptured appendix. The doctors did not remove it, but instead gave him heavy doses of antibiotics for three weeks. I thought they had to remove it.