Appendectomy (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. | An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix. | ||
==How is Appendicectomy done?== | ==How is Appendicectomy done?== | ||
Revision as of 13:34, 22 August 2011
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Appendectomy |
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Appendectomy On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-in-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D. [2]
Overview
An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix.
How is Appendicectomy done?
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ that comes out from the first part of the large intestine. It is removed when it becomes swollen (inflamed) or infected. An appendix that has a hole in it (perforated) can leak and infect the entire abdomen area, which can be life-threatening.
An appendectomy is done using either:
- Spinal anesthesia. Medicine is put into your back to make you numb below your waist. You will also get medicine to make you sleepy.
- General anesthesia. You will be asleep and not feel any pain during the surgery.
The surgeon makes a small cut in the lower right side of your belly area and removes the appendix.
The appendix can also be removed using small surgical cuts and a camera. This is called a laparoscopic appendectomy.
If the appendix broke open or a pocket of infection (abscess) formed, your abdomen will be washed out during surgery. A small tube may be left in the belly area to help drain out fluids or pus.
Who needs Appendicectomy?
An appendectomy is done for appendicitis. The condition can be hard to diagnose, especially in children, older people, and women of childbearing age.
Most often, the first symptom is pain around your belly button.
- The pain may be mild at first, but it becomes sharp and severe.
- The pain often moves into your right lower abdomen and becomes more focused in this area.
Other symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Fever (usually not very high).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Reduced appetite.
Where to find centers that perform Appendicectomy?
Directions to Hospitals Performing Appendicectomy
What are the risks of Appendicectomy?
Risks from any anesthesia include the following:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
Risks from any surgery include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Other risks with an appendectomy after a ruptured appendix include the following:
- Buildup of pus, which may need draining and antibiotics
- Longer hospital stays
- Side effects from medications
What to expect before the procedure?
If you have symptoms of appendicitis, seek medical help right away. Do not use heating pads, enemas, laxatives, or other home treatments to try and relieve symptoms.
Your health care provider will examine your abdomen and rectum. Other tests may be done.
- Blood tests, including a white blood cell count (WBC), may be done to check for infection.
- When the diagnosis is not clear, the doctor may order a CT scan or ultrasound to make sure the appendix is the cause of the problem.
There are no actual tests to confirm that you have appendicitis. Other illnesses can cause the same or similar symptoms.
The goal is to remove an infected appendix before it breaks open (ruptures). After reviewing your symptoms and the results of the physical exam and medical tests, your surgeon will decide whether you need surgery.
Even when the surgeon finds that the appendix is not infected, it will be removed to prevent future problems.
What to expect after the procedure?
Patients tend to recover quickly after a simple appendectomy. Most patients leave the hospital in 1 - 2 days after surgery. You can go back to your normal activities within 2 - 4 weeks after leaving the hospital.
Patients who have the appendix removed through small surgical cuts tend to recover and get back to their daily activities faster.
Recovery is slower and more complicated if the appendix has broken open or an abscess has formed.
Living without an appendix causes no known health problems.