Appendectomy : Curehealth

Appendectomy

Appendectomy, also termed as appendicectomy is a type of surgery to remove the appendix when it is infected.

Some facts about Appendectomy:

A portion of the intestine, known as vermiform appendix will be removed in Appendectomy.
Appendectomy is a common emergency surgery to treat complicated acute appendicitis.
Appendectomy can be performed either laparoscopically as minimally invasive surgery or as an open operation.
Uncomplicated appendicitis can be treated with either antibiotics or appendicectomy where as complicated or perforated appendicitis should undergo prompt surgical intervention.
Antibiotics should be continued up to 24 hours post-operatively for uncomplicated appendicitis where as antibiotics should be continued for anywhere between 3 and 7 days for complicated appendicitis.
The appendix is a thin pouch that is situated in the lower right part of your belly and is attached to the large intestine.
Your appendix must be removed right away if you have appendicitis.
You may need an appendectomy to remove your appendix if your appendix becomes sore, swollen, and infected.
There is a serious risk your appendix may burst or rupture if you have appendicitis which can happen as soon as 48 to 72 hours after you have symptoms. A severe, life-threatening infection called peritonitis can occur in your belly.
Bleeding, wound infectionblocked bowels, injury to nearby organs and peritonitis are some of the possible complications of an appendectomy.
Peritonitis is infection and redness and inflammation of the belly that can occur if the appendix bursts during surgery.

A full physical examination will be done before undergoing surgery to determine if the person is healthy enough for the procedure.
The surgeon can discuss the procedure, including what to expect and answer any questions after the examination.
You will be asked to stop eating or drinking before few hours of surgery and take a shower the night before the procedure.
Your provider should have a list of all medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter) and all herbs, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking.
A sedative may be given to help you relax before the surgery.
You should inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, are allergic to or sensitive to latex, medicines, tape, or anesthesia medicines.
You should also inform about any history of bleeding disorders or if you are are taking any blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting.

An appendectomy is an emergency surgery that will require a hospital stay in most cases.
You will have either an open appendectomy or a laparoscopic appendectomy depending on your condition and the practices of your healthcare provider.
An appendectomy is done under general anesthesia.
An IV (intravenous) line will be put in your arm or hand before starting the procedure and you will be placed on the operating table on your back.
A tube will be put down your throat to help you breathe.
Your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level will be checked by an anesthesiologist during the surgery.

A cut or incision will be made in the lower right part of your belly during an open appendectomy.
The incision is made over the mass if a mass is present else the incision is made over one-third of the way from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus, which represents the most common position of the base of the appendix.
Various layers of the abdominal wall will be opened.
The external oblique aponeurosis is split along the line of its fibers, as is the internal oblique muscle in order to preserve the integrity of abdominal wall. This reduces the risk of later incisional hernia as the two run at right angles to each other.
The appendix will be identified, mobilized and then ligated and divided at its base after entering the peritoneum.
Your abdomen will be washed out with salt water if your appendix has burst or ruptured
Each layer of the abdominal wall is then closed in turn and the skin may be closed with staples or stitches.
A small tube may be placed in the incision to drain out fluids.
The patient will be brought to the recovery room after the wound is dressed.

A physical exam should be performed prior to the surgery and the incision should be chosen based on the point of maximum tenderness to palpation
Several small incision will be made for the laparoscope and other tools to be used during surgery.
Your appendix and other organs can be easily seen by swelling up your abdomen using carbon dioxide gas.
Your appendix will be found by putting in the laparoscope.
Your appendix will be tied off with stitches and will be removed through an incision.
The laparoscope and tools will be removed when the surgery is done.
The carbon dioxide will be let out through the cuts and a small tube will be placed in the cut to drain out fluids.
Your cuts will be closed with surgical staples or stitches.
A dressing or sterile bandage will be used to cover the wounds.

You will be taken to the recovery room after surgery.
Your vital signs, such as your heart rate and breathing will be watched by your healthcare team.
The time require for your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you had and the type of anesthesia given.
You will be taken to your hospital room once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are awake and alert.
You may be discharged and sent home from the recovery room on the same day of surgery in case of a laparoscopic appendectomy as it may be done on an outpatient basis.
Pain medicine will be given as needed.
A thin plastic tube goes through your nose into your stomach to remove stomach fluids and air that you swallow.
You can not eat or drink until the tube is removed.
The tube will be removed when your bowels are working normally.
A follow-up visit should be done with your healthcare provider, 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.