Appendectomy or appendix removal Operation is the procedure to remove an inflamed or infected appendix. This procedure is usually recommended in cases of acute appendicitis where the condition advances rapidly. In cases of acute appendicitis, there is a higher risk of the appendix bursting on its own. If the appendix bursts, the infection may spread to the entire body, which can be fatal. Thus, timely treatment is critical in the case of acute appendicitis. In chronic appendicitis, surgical treatment is elective as the pain is not severe, and the chances of other complications are also minimal.
If appendicitis is left untreated, infected bacteria that are stored inside the appendix cause inflammation and cut off blood supply, leading to the development of a hole or tear in the dead wall. As pressure builds up due to the blockage, it results in the bursting of the appendix. This can cause the bacteria and pus to flow into the abdominal cavity that holds the liver, stomach, and intestines. This is considered a medical emergency as it can lead to severe and life-threatening complications.
This is one of the surgical procedures carried out to remove an appendix where the surgeon makes a single, large cut/incision of about 5-10 centimeters in the lower-right abdominal area. The appendix is completely removed, and the wound is closed using stitches.
This is considered an advanced procedure compared to the conventional method of appendix removal surgery. In this method, the surgeon makes two or three tiny incisions in your abdomen rather than a single large cut and inserts a laparoscope – a thin tube with a camera and light attached to it, which allows them to view the inside of your abdomen. The appendix is tied and closed using sutures or surgical tape and covered with a dressing.
If you are suffering from any of the signs and symptoms of an inflamed appendix or appendicitis and visit a doctor, the doctor will carry out a diagnosis in the following ways:
Based on the analysis made by the doctor and the readings of the above-mentioned medical evaluations, you might be required to go through imagery tests such as x-ray, CT-scan, MRI scans, and ultrasound.
The surgeon might switch to an open appendectomy in case your appendix cannot be removed laparoscopically, which might happen due to the following reasons:
After the appendix operation, you can expect slight pain, discomfort, and disorientation until the effects of anesthesia completely wear off.
Once the anesthesia wears off and your blood pressure, breathing, and pulse rate are stable, you will be moved to the recovery room. Depending upon your overall physical condition and the procedure of the treatment, you will be prepared for a discharge from the hospital.
Once the anesthesia wears off and your blood pressure, breathing, and pulse rate are stable, you will be moved to the recovery room. Depending upon your overall physical condition and the procedure of the treatment, you will be prepared for a discharge from the hospital.
During the first few days after undergoing an appendectomy, you may feel moderate pain in the areas surrounding your abdomen, and the doctor will accordingly prescribe antibiotics to deal with the pain and prevent any further infections.