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Appendectomy Laparoscopy Surgery

Laparoscopic Appendectomy - Removing an Inflamed Appendix

Appendectomy Laparoscopy Surgery

At Manipal Hospitals in Mukundapur, Kolkata, Laparoscopic Appendectomy is a modern, minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove an inflamed appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped tube connected to the intestines on the lower right side of your abdomen. When blocked, it can become inflamed and infected, a condition known as appendicitis. If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture within 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin, posing a serious health risk. Due to this, appendicitis is regarded as a medical emergency. Laparoscopic Appendectomy is considered a novel method for diagnosing and removing an inflamed appendix. It offers benefits like lower pain, minimal scarring, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and lower infection rates compared to open surgery.

FAQ's

An Appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix, primarily used to treat an inflamed appendix called appendicitis. The condition develops due to an infection that occurs when the appendix gets blocked with bacteria and stool, causing it to swell and become inflamed.

A ruptured appendix can lead to severe conditions like peritonitis (abdominal inflammation) and abscess (pus collection), both of which require immediate treatment. It can also cause sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection.

Appendicitis symptoms can resemble the intestinal flu. Initial signs include vague bloating, indigestion, and mild pain around the belly button. The main symptoms are:

  • Pain starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Constipation or diarrhoea

  • Inability to pass gas

  • Low fever

  • Abdominal swelling

  • Loss of appetite

The exact cause of appendicitis is often unknown, but it may result from a viral infection in the digestive tract or a blockage between the appendix and the large intestine. Inflammation can lead to infection, blood clots, or a ruptured appendix, making it a medical emergency.

If you show symptoms of appendicitis, an Appendectomy is needed to prevent the appendix from bursting. This can occur 48 to 72 hours after you exhibit symptoms. This can cause a severe, life-threatening infection known as peritonitis in your belly.

Your healthcare provider will do a medical history review and a physical exam. You may also have to take the following tests:

  • Blood tests are performed to look for indications of infection.

  • Urine tests are done to exclude the possibility of a urinary tract infection.

  • Imaging tests like abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI provide detailed internal images of the body parts.

The appendix can be taken out in an open procedure or using the laparoscopy technique:

  • Open or traditional surgery: A cut (incision) is made on the lower right side of your abdomen to remove the appendix. If the appendix has ruptured, a small tube is placed to drain out pus and other fluids.

  • Laparoscopic method: Several small cuts (incisions) are made for inserting a camera (laparoscope) to look inside your belly. This method is possible even if the appendix has burst.

At the hospital, a doctor will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. You might have to discontinue certain medications prior to the procedure. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant, allergic to medications, or have a history of bleeding disorders.

One to three tiny cuts are made by the surgeon in your abdomen. A small, narrow tube called a cannula is inserted into one of the incisions to inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to provide a clear view. The laparoscope, a thin tube with a light and a camera, is inserted to guide the surgeon in removing the appendix, which is then tied off and removed. The incisions are cleaned, sutured, and dressed.

Not all patients are suitable candidates. Those with pre-existing conditions, cardiac diseases, or previous lower abdominal surgeries may face increased risks. Elderly patients may also have complications with general anaesthesia and pneumoperitoneum.

For most, laparoscopic surgery poses fewer risks than open surgery, especially for the elderly and obese. However, open surgery may be necessary if the appendix has ruptured.

While generally safe, laparoscopic surgery can cause some discomfort or pain in the tip of your shoulder from the gas in your abdomen. Additionally, you may be susceptible to general surgery complications like bleeding, infection, and reactions to anaesthesia.
 

Recovery from an Appendectomy takes a few days if the appendix has not burst. If ruptured, recovery takes longer and may require antibiotics.

Yes, you can live a normal life without your appendix, and usually, no changes in diet or exercise are needed.

The advantages of Laparoscopic Appendectomy include less postoperative pain, quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications like wound infection, and cost-effectiveness.

Our Centre of Excellence for Laparoscopic Services at Manipal Hospitals makes use of cutting-edge diagnostic and image-guided laparoscopy tools. Our multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists and laparoscopy technicians has successfully performed Laparoscopic Appendectomies across all age groups with high success rates.

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