Appendicectomy
An appendicectomy is an operation to remove the appendix, which is usually performed urgently when someone has an infected and inflamed appendix.
An appendicectomy is usually done when the appendix is inflamed or has burst.
Preparation for Appendicectomy:
- Avoid eating and drinking anything at least four hours before your surgery.
- You may drink a sip of water with your medications if needed.
- Any history of bleeding disorders or are taking any blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting should be informed to your healthcare provider as you may be asked to stop taking these medicines before your surgery.
- The possible complications and side effects, the risks, and what the operation involves will be discussed with you by your doctor.
- You might be given fluids through a drip intravenously, directly into a vein so that you don't get dehydrated.
Procedure for Appendicectomy:
A general anesthetic is used during Appendicectomy.
Appendicectomy is generally performed laparoscopically, through several tiny cuts by surgeon.
Sometimes a larger cut is needed in case of an open appendicectomy.
You will be carefully monitored during and after the surgery.
Antibiotics and pain relief medications are likely to be given.
The type of surgery chosen by your doctor depends on the severity of your appendicitis and your medical history.
Open Appendectomy:
One incision in the lower right side of your abdomen will be made by the surgeon during an open appendectomy.
Your appendix will be removed and the wound will be closed with stiches.
Your doctor will be able to clean the abdominal cavity if your appendix has burst in this procedure.
An open appendectomy will be chosen if your appendix has ruptured and the infection has spread to other organs.
An open appendectomy is also the preferred option for people who have had abdominal surgery in the past.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy:
The appendix will be accessed through a few small incisions in your abdomen by your surgeon during a laparoscopic appendectomy.
A small, narrow tube called a cannula will then be inserted which is used to inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas.
The carbon dioxide gas allows the surgeon to see your appendix more clearly.
An instrument called a laparoscope will be inserted through the incision once the abdomen is inflated.
The laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high intensity light and a high resolution camera attached at the front.
The images will be displayed by the camera on a screen, allowing the surgeon to see inside your abdomen and guide the instruments.
The appendix will be tied off with stiches and removed once it is found.
The small incisions will be cleaned, closed, and dressed.
Laparoscopic surgery is the best option for older adults and people who are overweight as it has fewer risks than an open appendectomy procedure, and generally has a shorter recovery time.
Recovery from Appendectomy:
- You will be under observation for several hours before you are released from the hospital once the surgery is done.
- Your vital signs, including your breathing and heart rate, will be monitored closely.
- Any adverse reactions to the anesthesia or the procedure will also be checked.
- The recovery time depends on your overall physical condition, the type of appendectomy performed and your body's reaction to the surgery.
