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Appendicitis Surgery Treatment In Kolkata

Laparoscopic Appendectomy - Removing an Inflamed Appendix

Appendicitis Surgery Treatment In Kolkata

The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch present on the lower right side of the abdomen. When this vestigial organ becomes inflamed (appendicitis), a dull ache starts in the middle or right of the abdomen. When left untreated, appendicitis can have life-threatening consequences. Therefore, Appendectomy, a surgical technique to remove the appendix, is employed as an emergency measure to prevent complications.

Our laparoscopic surgeons at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, Kolkata, are proficient in handling various laparoscopic surgeries. During Appendicitis surgery treatment in Kolkata, a tiny incision is made near the belly button, and a port is inserted. A tiny tube and cannula are passed through the port. After inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide, the cannula is removed, and a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope, with a camera attached to it, helps locate the appendix and guides instruments for appendix removal. 

A Laparoscopic Appendectomy is a less-invasive technique for the removal of the appendix. Several smaller incisions are made instead of a single larger one; as a result, the procedure ensures less pain and faster recovery time. 

 

FAQ's

Appendicitis is one of the severe medical conditions requiring immediate medical attention. Some of the common presenting symptoms of the condition are:

Sudden onset of severe pain near the navel that radiates to the lower right abdomen

  • Mild fever

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Trouble passing gas

  • Constipation or diarrhoea

Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency worldwide. According to studies, there has been a significant increase in the age-standardised prevalence of appendicitis in India. Therefore, the need for emergency Appendectomy procedures is increasing. Increasing awareness about the condition, early diagnosis, and timely intervention can reduce the disease burden and mitigate its risks.

The decision to perform an Appendectomy is based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, findings of the physical examination, and diagnostic test results. However, an Appendectomy procedure is recommended for: 

  • Acute appendicitis: If the patient is dealing with severe abdominal pain due to inflammation of the appendix, surgical intervention is recommended.

  • Recurrent appendix: Individuals having multiple episodes of appendicitis will have to undergo the procedure to prevent further complications.

  • If you have persisting symptoms with a suspicion of appendicitis: Even if the diagnosis is not definitive and if you develop persistent or worsening appendicitis symptoms, the doctors may advise you to undergo surgery.

However, in cases where the infection has advanced or the appendix has burst, it is not feasible to undergo Laparoscopic Appendectomy; instead, you may be advised to undergo an open procedure.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is a type of laparoscopic procedure where the surgeon makes a single small incision in the abdomen to remove the appendix. Patients will enjoy the benefit of even less scarring compared to Laparoscopic Appendectomy procedures. However, this is one of the more difficult surgeries to perform and may not be suitable for all patients.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy is not considered an ideal choice for inflamed appendix removal in all cases. When the patient has a mild or moderate infection or an unruptured appendix, this surgical technique may be employed. However, if the patient has severe infections or a ruptured appendix, then open surgery is considered an ideal treatment method.

Your healthcare provider will thoroughly assess the status of your medical condition. In addition, you have to undergo blood tests and diagnostic procedures before the surgery. Inform your doctor regarding all the medications or supplements you may be taking. 

You are required to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 8 hours before surgery. If the surgery has to be performed on an emergency basis, the time you last had food is not of much concern. If you have any concerns or doubts regarding the surgery, you can discuss them with your doctor.

Your healthcare provider will thoroughly assess the status of your medical condition. In addition, you have to undergo blood tests and diagnostic procedures before the surgery. Inform your doctor regarding all the medications or supplements you may be taking. 

You are required to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 8 hours before surgery. If the surgery has to be performed on an emergency basis, the time you last had food is not of much concern. If you have any concerns or doubts regarding the surgery, you can discuss them with your doctor.

The total duration of the Laparoscopic Appendectomy procedure is approximately 1 hour. However, the duration of the procedure can vary depending on your health status or the presence of any underlying medical conditions. On reaching home, you must have small, frequent meals and get plenty of rest. Make sure to follow up with your doctor regularly.

After the surgery, the doctor will ask you to walk a few hours later or by the next day. Since you will be having some pain at the incision site, the doctors will prescribe you some pain medications at the time of discharge. You will be able to consume liquids a few hours after surgery, but solids can be gradually included in your diet.

Compared to traditional Appendectomy procedures, Laparoscopic Appendectomy has several benefits:

  • Less post-operative complications

  • Minimal pain

  • Faster recovery and return to a normal routine

  • Minimal scars

  • A shorter hospital stay

The recovery is faster with a Laparoscopic Appendectomy. You may be discharged on the same or the next day of the procedure unless you suffer from a severe infection. Most patients can resume their daily routine within one to three weeks. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations on diet restrictions and activity modification to facilitate a faster recovery.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Delaying treatment can have severe consequences, some of which are:

  • Abscess formation

  • Loss of movement in the intestines

  • Peritonitis

  • Appendix rupture, which can spread infection to the abdomen

  • Death

Surgery to remove the inflamed appendix can reduce the complications of appendicitis. However, before undergoing the procedure, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection.

After being discharged from the hospital, follow the instructions provided by your doctor. However, be mindful of the following symptoms:

  • Redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from the incision site

  • Fever or chills

  • Unexpected bleeding

  • Severe pain near the incision site

  • Loss of appetite or inability to eat or drink anything

  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

    If you develop any of these symptoms, make sure to call your doctor immediately.