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The surgical procedure to remove the appendix when it gets infected or inflamed is called Appendectomy. Located in the bottom right section of your abdomen, the appendix is a little pouch that is connected to the large intestine. This is a vestigial organ that does not serve any essential function and thus can be easily removed in case of an issue. An Appendectomy can be done either through Open General Surgery or Laparoscopic Surgery and is often performed as an emergency procedure to treat appendicitis, which, when left untreated, can rupture, causing serious health issues.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy is a less invasive procedure to remove an inflamed appendix. We make small incisions through which we insert a laparoscope and other surgical instruments. With the help of a camera, this procedure provides precise results. This surgery technique is advanced and offers various benefits over the traditional method. Fewer risks are involved and provide a quicker and less painful recovery for patients.
At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, we have highly skilled and trained surgeons who are efficient in providing comprehensive surgical interventions for appendicitis. We employ advanced techniques to provide better treatment outcomes, shorter recovery times, and minimise surgery-related complications. We ensure holistic care and support throughout your treatment journey.
The appendix is a small organ that can swell quickly when infected and can spread the infection to other areas, such as the abdominal cavity and bloodstream. It causes complications such as peritonitis (inflammation in the abdominal cavity) and sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.
Also, the appendix can rupture; it usually takes 36 hours after the first symptom of appenditis. The symptoms of appendicitis are abdominal swelling, constipation or diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal pain that spreads to the lower right side. Seek immediate care and get an Appendectomy done, as it is the only solution to remove the symptomatic appendix.
The procedure is usually done in an emergency within 24 hours of diagnosing acute appendicitis or an appendix that has already ruptured.
The doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical checkup.
Do inform your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking. You may need to stop some of them before the surgery.
Also, tell the doctor if you are pregnant, allergic to any medications or latex, or have a history of bleeding disorders.
You will need to avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the surgery or as instructed.
An IV line will be inserted to start antibiotics right away to treat the infection, and it may continue after the surgery.
If there are no time constraints, the doctor may order certain blood tests and imaging scans to better analyse your appendicitis.
The doctor will explain the type of surgery, its outcome, and its risks and may also ask for your consent.
You will be asked to remove your jewellery and change into a hospital gown before the procedure.
For the surgery, you will need to lie on your back.
General anaesthesia will be given to put you into a deep sleep.
You will also receive a muscle relaxant to prevent muscle spasms.
A thin tube may also be placed through your mouth into your throat to keep your airway clear and monitor your breathing.
The anaesthesiologist will continuously monitor your vital signs during the surgery.
During the Laparoscopic Appendectomy, the surgeon will make a tiny incision near your belly button.
Then, a small port will be inserted into the incision, followed by a tiny tube called a cannula.
The cannula inflates your abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide gas to create more space and improve visibility.
The surgeon will now remove the cannula and insert a laparoscope, which is a long, thin tube with a light and camera at its tip.
This camera helps in displaying the surgery on a video screen, allowing the surgeon to precisely locate the appendix.
Surgical instruments are guided through one to three tiny incisions to remove the appendix.
After the surgery is completed, the laparoscope and tools will be removed, and the cuts will be closed with stitches.
A sterile bandage or dressing will be used to cover the wound.
The appendix may be sent to the lab for testing.
If any unexpected complications arise, the surgery may need to be converted to Open Surgery.
After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room, and your vital signs will be monitored.
Once your vital signs stabilise and you are awake, you can go home the same day in the case of a Laparoscopic Appendectomy, as it may be done on an outpatient basis.
You will receive pain medicine as needed, either through an IV or orally.
After the surgery, you may have a thin plastic tube through your nose into your stomach to remove fluids and air.
The tube will be removed once your bowels are working normally.
Do not eat or drink anything until the tube is taken out.
A few hours after the laparoscopic procedure, you will be asked to get out of bed.
You may be allowed to drink liquids a few hours after the surgery.
At the time of discharge, you will get post-care instructions for your wound care, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled, which are usually 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
Though complications are rare, if they do develop, they cause the following risks:
Bleeding
Wound infection
Injury to nearby organs
Blocked bowels
Redness or swelling inside the belly
The chances of risks are lower in laparoscopic appendectomy.
As compared to Open Surgery, Laparoscopic Appendectomy offers various benefits, such as:
The recovery time will depend on the complexity of the appendicitis, the surgery, and how well your body responds to the surgery. The pain and side effects usually clear up within a few days, so you can return to normal activities. But to recover fully, most people take at least six weeks.
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