Appendectomy is an operation to remove the appendix, a small tube attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. It is usually performed for acute appendicitis, aiming to remove the inflamed organ and reduce the risk of rupture and serious abdominal infection.
It is done under general anaesthesia, either as open surgery through a single cut in the lower right abdomen or as laparoscopic surgery, with a camera and thin instruments passed through about three small cuts. In both, the base of the appendix is tied off and divided. The abdomen may be rinsed or a drain left if there is an abscess or rupture.
Surgery often takes 30 minutes to an hour. Most patients leave hospital after one to three days, longer if the appendix has ruptured. Light activity resumes within days to two weeks, and full recovery usually takes about two to six weeks, depending on the condition and technique.
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The operation treats appendicitis and may reduce the risk of rupture and the abdominal infection and abscesses that can follow. Because the appendix is removed, appendicitis is not usually expected to return.
It is usually needed by people diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Diagnosis relies on symptoms such as pain that starts around the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen with nausea and fever, plus examination, blood tests and ultrasound or CT. The final decision rests with the surgeon.
The operation is often urgent, so you are asked not to eat or drink, blood tests are done, and you may receive an antibiotic and intravenous fluids. Tell the doctor about all your medicines, and never stop a prescribed drug such as a blood thinner unless the doctor tells you to.
Open surgery uses one larger cut in the lower right abdomen, while laparoscopy uses about three small cuts and a camera. Laparoscopy may often mean less pain, a shorter stay and faster recovery, but the surgeon chooses what suits your case and may switch to open surgery if needed.
After general anaesthesia, the surgeon frees the appendix, ties off its base, cuts it and removes it, and cleans the abdomen if needed. The cuts are closed with stitches or surgical glue. The operation often takes less than an hour.
There is pain around the cuts that usually eases with painkillers within days, and early walking is encouraged. Light work resumes within days to two weeks, while heavy lifting and strenuous effort wait about two to six weeks, as the surgeon advises and depending on the technique.
Pain from the inflammation usually improves quickly, and recovery is complete within weeks. Appendicitis is not usually expected to come back after the appendix is removed.
They include wound or abdominal infection, bleeding, abscess, delayed return of bowel movement, and rarely injury to nearby organs or a hernia at the cut, plus anaesthesia risks. Complications are more likely if the appendix has ruptured.
Yes. Open surgery leaves one scar and laparoscopy about three small ones, which usually fade over time.
You usually need to wait about 5 to 10 days after surgery, longer after open surgery or if complications occur. The treating doctor confirms the right time.
