Understanding Appendectomy Surgery

An appendectomy is a common surgery to remove your appendix, a small, finger-shaped organ that's attached to your large intestine. Doctors usually perform this surgery when your appendix becomes infected, a condition called appendicitis. Left untreated, an infected appendix can rupture and lead to severe complications.

While some research suggests the appendix may play a role in immunity and gut health, you can live a perfectly normal life without it. It can become infected for several reasons, such as when something blocks it or when you have certain digestive conditions. When this happens, it needs to be removed quickly.

Types of Appendectomies

While there are several types of appendectomy procedures, open and laparoscopic techniques are the most common. At Premier Surgical Network, our team ensures a thorough evaluation to determine the best treatment approach for your needs.

Open Appendectomy: A traditional surgical method that involves a single, larger incision (2-4 inches) in the lower right abdomen, from which the appendix is removed.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A minimally invasive procedure using only 2-3 small incisions (each about ¼ to ½ inch) to insert a small camera and surgical instruments to then extract the appendix.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A variation of a standard laparoscopic surgery that is only performed at institutions with expertise in this technique, using a single incision to insert special instruments through a port, typically the navel. 

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique that uses robotic systems to assist in the surgery, with the surgeon controlling robotic arms from a console to remove the appendix. 

Benefits of Having an Appendectomy

Appendectomy is a life-saving procedure that prevents serious complications and ensures a smooth recovery when performed promptly. At Premier Surgical Network, we focus on using the most effective surgical techniques tailored to your needs to:

• Resolve painful symptoms of appendicitis quickly
• Prevent life-threatening complications like rupture and peritonitis
• Promote faster recovery and reduced scarring with minimally invasive options
• Reduce hospital stays and enhance overall outcomes

Are You a Candidate?

Appendectomy is recommended for individuals diagnosed with appendicitis or experiencing symptoms like sudden abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent complications. 

You might need an appendectomy if you have:

• Persistent lower right abdominal pain
• Fever, nausea, or vomiting
• Inability to pass gas or severe bloating
• Diagnosis of appendicitis by a healthcare provider

What to Expect

Before

Our team will provide detailed pre-surgery instructions, including what medications to stop and when to stop eating and drinking (usually 8-12 hours before surgery). You'll need to arrange for transportation after the surgery as you won't be able to drive yourself home. We also advise preparing for recovery in advance by setting up a comfortable space at home.

During

The procedure takes place under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. For open appendectomy, the surgeon will make a single 2-4 inch incision in the lower right abdomen, and for laparoscopic appendectomy, 2-3 small incisions (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch each) are made. The appendix is carefully separated from surrounding tissues and organs.

After assessing and cleaning the surgical site, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures, staples, or surgical tape, depending on the procedure. Appendectomy generally takes about 30 minutes to one hour for non-complicated cases.

After

In most cases, patients can expect a relatively short hospital stay and a gradual appendectomy recovery process following an appendectomy. For a laparoscopic appendectomy, the typical hospital stay is often just 1-2 days, while an open appendectomy might require 2-3 days.

 

Recovering from an Appendectomy

The recovery timeline varies depending on the type of surgery and individual factors, but most people can return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks. Full recovery, including the healing of internal tissues, can take 4-6 weeks.

In the first few days after surgery, patients will experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. They will be encouraged to walk shortly after the procedure to promote circulation and prevent complications. As the digestive system recovers, the diet will gradually progress from clear liquids to solid foods. Most patients can shower within a day or two, but baths or swimming should be avoided for about two weeks.

Symptoms to Monitor

During the recovery period, patients should watch for signs of complications and reach out to our team if they occur:

• Fever over 101°F
• Severe or worsening pain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
• Redness or swelling around incisions
• Shortness of breath or chest pain

Risks and Side Effects

While appendectomy is generally safe, there are some risks with surgery, including:

• Infection at the incision site
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Rare injury to surrounding organs