How do you prepare for Appendectomy?

Evaluation is very important to examine where the appendicitis symptoms are originating. These tests will decide the type of appendicitis operation and how postoperative medication will be prescribed.

• Your doctor will do a direct stomach examination to locate your pain.

If, by pressing on the stomach, small pain worsens then there is a spreading infection.

Your age and how your appendix is placed decides the location of the pain. The appendix is moved higher during pregnancy. So, the location of pain is instead on the upper right side of your stomach.

• Your doctor may also look whether you're stiffening your muscles in addition to the already rigid stomach muscles.
• There is a digital rectal examination to observe the condition of your rectum with lubrication and gloves
• It is important to carefully examine pregnancy cases. Sometimes appendicitis symptoms is mistaken for gynecological issues with pregnant patients
• A blood test showing higher WBC count will help strongly decide whether there is an infection
• Similarly, a urine test will rule out urinary tract infections and kidney stone conditions
• Your doctor can ask you to take a stomach X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound to make sure an appendicitis is the exact reason of infection

What happens during Appendectomy (appendicitis operation)?

The appendicitis operation will not take more than ½ to 1 hour. You will be put under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will take out the affected appendix by either the-

• Laparoscopic keyhole method

Your surgeon will make a few small incisions of the stomach. Then, with surgical hands and a camera, the appendix will be detached from your large intestine.

The laparoscopic technique has less pain and scarring with quicker recovery. It is best for the aged and obese patients.

• Laparotomy method

Your surgeon will directly cut a 2-4 inch incision of your stomach. This is best for appendix rupture management. It is easy to clean by using a suction tube to drain out the discharge. After the infection is controlled, an appendicitis operation can be easily conducted later.

What can you expect after Appendectomy (appendicitis operation)?

• You are allowed to leave the hospital 3 days to 1 week after the appendicitis operation. This is dependent on the seriousness of your appendicitis symptoms.
• Normal activities are permitted after approximately 4 weeks later.

What are the risks associated with Appendectomy (appendicitis operation)?  

Your doctors and surgical team will always ensure appendicitis operation is safe. Yet, there can be a few things you should be careful about. The possible complications associated with appendicitis operation include-

• Ruptured appendix.
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Unsightly scarring
• Blood clots
• Infection in the operated areas
• Incorrect diagnosis
• Developing an infection and inflammation at the stomach external wall
• Difficulty passing urine
• Vomiting
• Developing a leak
• Obstruction of the bowel
• Pylephlebitis

What are some of the lifestyle changes you need to make after Appendectomy (appendicitis operation)?

Your doctor will strictly ask you to-

• Avoid any straining activity for a time period depending on the type of surgery.

With laparoscopy you can slowly start walking after 3-5 days. You will need to wait 10-14 days with open surgery. If your body is ready, you can slowly lead your recovery to success

• Ensure that you take plenty of rest whenever your body informs of fatigue
• Use a soft barrier like a pillow to reduce pain when laughing, coughing or moving in the initial days of recovery
• Regularly report your progress
• Observe whether your postoperative medication is helping with the healing so that normal activities can be permitted

Key Terminology:

• Appendicitis. It is when the appendix is inflamed. An infection is started because the appendix lining gets blocked.

This condition becomes worse (like the appendix rupturing) if not treated quickly. Bacteria from the infection starts to increase in number and start the inflammation. The appendix becomes swollen or filled with discharge.

Appendicitis is a common condition for many people. People between 10 years and 30 years are more vulnerable to appendicitis.
Appendix. The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch attached to the lower right side of your large intestine.