Which department should you be admitted to for appendicitis?

Oct 31, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
For hospitalization due to appendicitis, patients may go to the general surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, or acute abdomen surgery departments. Complete the necessary examinations and proceed through emergency transfer if needed. When seeking medical care, choose the appropriate department according to the hospital's specific organizational structure. If severe abdominal pain, high fever, or vomiting occurs, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Most hospitals' core surgical departments are capable of performing both traditional open surgery and laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery for appendicitis.

For hospitalization due to appendicitis, patients may go to the general surgery department, gastrointestinal surgery department, acute abdomen surgery department, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery department, or comprehensive surgery department. The specific choice depends on the hospital's departmental structure. If severe abdominal pain, high fever, or vomiting occurs, immediate emergency medical care at a hospital is necessary.

1. General Surgery: A fundamental department in most hospitals, it performs both traditional open and laparoscopic surgeries for appendicitis. It can comprehensively evaluate the condition and develop treatment plans, making it suitable for all types of appendicitis patients and a common choice for hospitalization.

2. Gastrointestinal Surgery: A specialized department in some hospitals focusing on diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. It offers more precise diagnosis and surgical management for appendicitis. Once diagnosed, patients can be directly admitted here for targeted therapy.

3. Acute Abdomen Surgery: A department specifically established for acute abdominal pain. In cases of acute appendicitis with urgent symptoms, this department should be prioritized for rapid assessment and prompt hospital admission to avoid treatment delays.

4. Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery: Some hospitals include appendicitis within their scope of care, especially when the appendix is in an unusual position or when there are concurrent biliary tract issues. Patients can be hospitalized here to receive comprehensive treatment.

5. Comprehensive Surgery: Commonly found in primary care or general hospitals, this department has broader categorization but is capable of managing common surgical conditions like appendicitis, making it suitable for patients in areas with limited medical resources.

Daily care during hospitalization includes following medical advice regarding fasting or consuming a light diet, turning over and getting out of bed as instructed after surgery, keeping the wound area clean, monitoring changes in abdominal pain and body temperature, and promptly reporting any abnormalities to healthcare staff.