Why Appendicitis Forced Noa Kirel to Cut Short Her Honeymoon

News that singer Noa Kirel had to end her honeymoon and fly back to Israel on a special flight because of appendicitis drew wide attention to one of the most common surgical emergencies. To explain the condition, symptoms, and treatment, N12 spoke with Dr. Asher Fein, a general, trauma and emergency surgeon at Assuta Ashdod Public Medical Center.

Dr. Fein said appendicitis is usually caused by a blockage at the appendix opening, most often by a small stool particle. The typical pain begins suddenly around the navel and then migrates to the lower right side of the abdomen. If the pain does not improve with painkillers, he said, suspicion for appendicitis increases. Early recognition of this pattern can help patients seek treatment before the condition worsens.

He said appendicitis cannot be prevented. However, he noted that Western diets are associated with a higher risk, while the condition is less common in less developed countries. The appendix is a small organ attached to the right side of the large intestine.

The danger rises when symptoms persist, sometimes for more than 24 hours, because the appendix can perforate and lead to an abscess and inflammation of the peritoneum, known as peritonitis. Dr. Fein described this as “complicated” appendicitis, but said the chance of it happening is low. Anyone with right-lower-abdominal pain and the classic symptom pattern should seek urgent emergency care. He added that appendectomy is a very common operation and recovery after laparoscopic surgery is fast in most cases.