Appendectomy FAQs
What is the appendix?
The appendix is a small organ located at the junction of the small intestine and colon. Once thought to be only vestigial, is now known to help lubricate the colon and to assist the immune system.
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix due to the buildup of bacteria. It may be caused by a blockage of mucous or fecal matter in the appendix leading to the production of pus. Pus is a combination of bacteria, white blood cells and dead tissue.
Uncontrolled inflammation can cause the appendix to rupture, spreading infection into nearby intestinal tissues; this is called peritonitis. While the body is sometimes able to contain the infection on its own or with the aid of antibiotics, untreated appendicitis can lead to intestinal blockage and sepsis, a systemic and potentially lethal condition.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Signs that you may have appendicitis include diffuse or localized abdominal pain and tenderness, particularly in the lower right quadrant, which increases over a short period of time, elevated temperature, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal swelling, constipation or diarrhea with gas, back or rectal pain, or, less commonly, difficulty urinating.
When is an appendectomy necessary?
Appendicitis is the most common reason for appendectomy. Surgery is not required if the body is able to control and eradicate the infection on its own or with the help of antibiotics; this is known as confined appendicitis. For patients whose infections cannot be controlled, an appendectomy is necessary. Am appendectomy is also necessary in the case of a tumor of the appendix.
How is an appendectomy performed?
Usually an appendectomy is performed laparoscopically, although open surgery may be necessary in some cases. A laparascopic appendectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which an endoscope and a few surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen so the appendix can be removed with less pain and a shorter recovery period.
What is the recovery period after an appendectomy?
Patients return home in as little as one day, although full recovery may take up to three weeks depending on what type of surgery was done and whether there were complications such as an abscess or peritonitis. During recovery, the patient requires rest and then a gradual return to normal activities. A liquid and then a soft diet is recommended during the period immediately following an appendectomy in order to prevent intestinal distress and promote healing.
What are the risks of an appendectomy?
An appendectomy is generally a safe procedure. As with any operation, however, particularly if it is performed as an emergency surgery, there are risks which may include the following:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia or medication
- Excessive bleeding
- Postsurgical Infection
- Damage to adjacent organs
It is important to remember that the worst risks of appendicitis, a ruptured appendix and peritonitis, far outweigh the risk of the appendectomy itself.