4. How is a laparoscopic appendectomy performed?
5. Advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy
6. What happens if a patient cannot have the appendix removed laparoscopically?
7. What are the possible complications of laparoscopic appendectomy?
8. What should a patient expect after an appendectomy?
9. Will there be any pain after the surgery?
The appendix is a vestigial organ connected to the opening of the large intestine or colon. It is a thin and elongated organ and is a few centimeters long. It is located on the right side of the abdomen below the umbilicus (belly button). The appendix can get inflamed causing pain in the abdomen and fever.
Appendicitis is the condition where the appendix gets infected and inflamed. Once inflamed, it gets swollen and can even burst, resulting in the generalized infection in the abdomen. If the condition is left untreated, it can cause serious illness or even death. The risk of the appendix bursting is much higher after the first 24 hours of the symptoms. If the appendix bursts, the surgery to treat can be more complicated.
In this surgery, the appendix is removed to treat the appendicitis. Appendectomy is a common surgery and most people have their appendix removed. One way to remove the appendix is to make a large cut or incision below and to the right of the umbilicus (belly button). This is known as an open appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy is the procedure in which the appendix is removed through small incisions.
The results may vary depending upon the type of surgery and general health of the individual. The most common advantages of laparoscopic surgery are:
Laparoscopic appendix removal may not be recommended for some individuals. Certain conditions would require the individual to undergo an open surgery, rather than laparoscopic surgery such as;
Complications of laparoscopic appendectomy do not occur very often. Yet there can be:
If the inflammation of the appendix is severe during the surgery, there can be a small risk of an abscess (collection of pus/bacteria) at the site of surgery which may require further treatment.
Contact a Physician immediately if you have any of the above mentioned complications.
The patient may go home the day they have the surgery (day care surgery), or might have to stay in the hospital overnight. If the appendix has already perforated (burst), it is advised to be in the hospital for a longer period of time. Your doctor will monitor your situation and recommend discharge appropriately.
Pain at the incision sites and in the abdomen is common but minimal after the surgery. An individual can also experience pain in the shoulders due to the carbon dioxide added in the abdomen during the procedure. The patient may get relief from the shoulder pain usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Pain can be relieved by;
A patient who has undergone open surgery may need longer time for recovery after the surgery.
It is advised to visit the doctor after 2 weeks of the surgery. It is necessary to call a Physician immediately if the patient encounters any of the below symptoms:
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