You or a loved one has appendicitis. This is when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. The appendix is a small pouch that hangs off the colon, or large intestine. Its exact purpose is unknown. But once infected, the appendix can burst, sending bacteria into the belly. This can cause severe health problems.
Having an AppendectomyYou or a loved one has appendicitis. This is when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. The appendix is a small pouch that hangs off the colon, or large intestine. Its exact purpose is unknown. But once infected, the appendix can burst, sending bacteria into the belly. This can cause severe health problems.The main treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy. During this procedure, a surgeon takes out the appendix.In some cases, your healthcare provider may give you antibiotics first. This medicine may cure the infection, so you don’t need surgery. But most people will need to have the appendix taken out right away.During the surgeryAn appendectomy is a very common procedure. It usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour. It may take longer if your appendix burst.You will be given fluids and antibiotics through an IV. You will also have general anesthesia. This medicine keeps you pain-free and asleep during the surgery.An appendectomy may be done 1 of 2 ways. Your healthcare provider will decide which way is best for you.During laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes 2 to 4 small cuts in your belly. The surgeon puts a thin tube with a camera on it through one of the cuts. This laparoscope helps the surgeon see inside your belly.The surgeon puts surgical tools into the other cuts to take out the appendix.During open surgery, which is called laparotomy, your surgeon makes 1 large cut in your lower right side to take out your appendix. The surgeon makes a bigger incision if your appendix has burst.An appendectomy may have complications, such as:InfectionBlood clots, andProblems with anesthesiaAfter the surgeryIf you have a laparoscopic appendectomy, you will likely be able to leave the hospital the same day. But you may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. If your appendix burst, you may stay longer.You will drink fluids and walk on the day of your surgery. You will take pain medicine and do breathing exercises.Once at home, follow all your healthcare provider’s instructions, such as:Taking your medicines as directed; Taking fiber or a stool softener to prevent constipation; Not doing any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for as long as directed; andNot driving until you are told it is OK to do soWhen to call your healthcare providerWhile recovering from surgery, call your healthcare provider if you have any of these:Swelling,Oozing, Worsening pain, or Abnormal redness around an incision; Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider; Belly pain that gets worse; Severe diarrhea, bloating, or constipation; Nausea or vomiting; Trouble breathing or shortness of breath; or Leg swellingWhat we have learnedAn appendectomy is a surgery to take out the appendix. True or false? The answer is "true". You will likely need an appendectomy if you have appendicitis. This is when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected.After an appendectomy, it is OK to go back to your normal activities right away. True or false? The answer is "false". Don’t do any strenuous activity or heavy lifting after surgery for as long as your healthcare provider says.
Author: Semko, Laura
Date Last Reviewed: 04/30/2020
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