Appendectomy
The appendix lies on the right side of your abdomen. Quite commonly the appendix gets infected, swollen and causes pain. If left it can end up bursting inside the abdomen causing serious infection and illness, and in exceptional cases can be fatal. A diseased appendix needs to be taken out. Sometimes in patients with suspicious symptoms, the appendix may turn out to be normal when examined. In cases of doubt, it is safer to remove the appendix than to risk developing complications of leaving a diseased or infected appendix inside.
Procedure:
The appendix is dissected out, cut off at its base and then removed. Any associated pus collection is thoroughly washed out. The operation is done through three small incisions over your lower abdomen (keyhole/laparoscopic surgery). The appendix is removed through one of the wounds and the wounds are then stitched up. If the operation cannot be completed laparoscopically, the procedure will be done by making a longer cut/incision in the abdomen over the right side.
Possible complications:
- Wound infection can occur in up to 15 % of patients. The risk is higher if the appendix was perforated or burst. The wound infection may settle with antibiotics and wound care, but sometimes the wound may need to be re-opened, either in the ward or in theatre.
- Other risks include bowel injury, bleeding, delayed return of bowel movement, blood clots in your legs, lung collapse or lung infections like pneumonia.
- Late complications may occur such as a suture granuloma (a mass that forms at the site of the surgery) or a hernia at the site of the wounds.
Duration:
Typically takes 60-90 minutes.
After the procedure:
Duration of hospital stay:
1-3 days (dependent on pain management, general state of the patient and first bowel movement).
Activities:
Refrain from strenuous activities (incl. Exercise and heavy lifting) for at least 4 weeks post-operatively.
Wound care:
You will be advised on how to care for the wound. Generally cleaning the wound with salt water once daily is sufficient.
Back to work:
Sick leave required post-operatively is approximately 7-14 days.