Laparoscopic Appendix Surgeries

Appendicitis treatment usually involves surgery to remove the inflamed appendix. Before Laparoscopic Appendix Surgeries you may be given a dose of antibiotics to prevent infection.

Surgery to remove the appendix (appendicectomy) Laparoscopic / Open

Appendectomy can be performed as open surgery using one abdominal incision about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long (laparotomy). Or the surgery can be done through a few small abdominal incisions (Laparoscopic Appendix Surgeries). Or through a Single Incision Laparoscopic surgery ( SILS) which is the surgery through the belly button and is virtually scarless. During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon inserts special surgical tools and a video camera into your abdomen to remove your appendix. In general, laparoscopic surgery allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. It may be better for people who are elderly or obese. But laparoscopic surgery isn’t appropriate for everyone. Exceptionally, you may need an open appendectomy, as the disease process is beyond the scope of Laparoscopic surgery or may be dangerous to continue the surgery Laparoscopically. Expect to spend one or two days in the hospital after your appendectomy.

Draining an abscess before appendix surgery

If your appendix has burst and an abscess has formed around it, the abscess may be drained by placing a tube through your skin into the abscess. Appendectomy can be performed several weeks later after controlling the infection.

Expect a few weeks of recovery from an appendectomy, or longer if your appendix burst. To help your body heal:

• Avoid strenuous activity at first: If your appendectomy was done laparoscopically, limit your activity for three to five days. If you had an open appendectomy, limit your activity for 10 to 14 days. Always ask your doctor about limitations on your activity and when you can resume normal activities following surgery.
• Support your abdomen when you cough: Place a pillow over your abdomen and apply pressure before you cough, laugh or move to help reduce pain.
• Call your doctor if your pain medications aren’t helping: Being in pain puts extra stress on your body and slows the healing process. If you’re still in pain despite your pain medications, call your doctor.
• Get up and move when you’re ready: Start slowly and increase your activity as you feel up to it. Start with short walks.
• Sleep when tired: As your body heals, you may find you feel sleepier than usual. Take it easy and rest when you need to.
• Discuss returning to work or school with your doctor: You can return to work when you feel up to it. Children may be able to return to school less than a week after surgery. They should wait two to four weeks to resume strenuous activity, such as gym classes or sports.