What is Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery)
General Surgeon, Jaslok Hospital, 10 years of experience
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What is an Appendectomy?
Appendectomy, also commonly known as appendix surgery, is the surgical procedure of removing an inflamed or swollen appendix. This inflammation of the appendix is called appendicitis. The appendix is an organ that is a small worm-like outpouching present at the beginning of the large intestine. It was initially thought to be a vestigial organ, which meant that it had no function in humans, but later it was found to have some role in immunological responses of the body. But when it gets inflamed and infected it is preferred to remove it than conserve it. Appendectomy is usually an emergency surgery required in the event of appendicitis, otherwise, the appendix may burst and cause infection. If a person shows any symptoms of appendicitis, they should rush to the hospital without any delay. If the appendix is not treated at the right time, then the appendix may rupture and cause further complications. It is a state of emergency.
Let us tell you in detail about Appendectomy(Appendix Surgery) in this article.
- Why is an Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery) done?
- What are the symptoms of the Appendix?
- How is Appendix diagnosed?
- How to prepare for an Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery)?
- How is an Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery) done?
- How to take care after an Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery)?
- What are the Complications of an Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery)?
- What is the Cost of an Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery) in India?
Why is an Appendectomy(Appendix Surgery) done?
The most common indication to do an appendectomy is appendicitis. There are 2 main reasons why appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) occurs:
- Obstruction– There is a blockage in the opening or cavity of the appendix which later leads to inflammation. Obstruction can occur due to the following reasons.
- Faecolith– It is the most common cause. Hard stools remain in the bowel and obstruct the appendix.
- Calculi or Foreign body- A stone may form or an object or an undigested food substance may get lodged in the appendix.
- Tumor– The presence of a tumor of the appendix or the structures around it may cause blockage.
- Worms– A worm infestation may cause the worms to go into the appendix and obstruct it. ( Know more about- What are causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of intestinal worms )
- Adhesions– Any adhesions or strictures may occur due to pre-existing diseases like Crohn’s disease. (Know more about- What is Crohn’s disease? )
- Non-obstructive- There is direct inflammation of the appendix. This is seen when there is an infection of the appendix due to bacteria.
What are the symptoms of the appendix?
The symptoms someone with appendicitis may experience are as follows:
- Colicky or spasmodic pain around the navel may later shift to the lower right side of the abdomen.
- Vomiting
- Constipation, but rarely diarrhea may occur
- Fever of a mild grade(98.7-100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Abdominal tenderness
- Elevated heart rate
How is the appendix diagnosed?
Diagnosis of appendicitis is confirmed by:
- Clinical examination by the doctor
- Ultrasonography
- Blood tests
- CT scan or MRI if needed
How to prepare for an Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery)?
After a diagnosis of appendicitis, the patient is immediately admitted to the hospital and posted for surgery. Some basic instructions include:
- Not to eat or drink 8 hours before surgery
- The doctor may tell to stop some medications if the patient is on any
- The doctor starts the patient on antibiotics and intravenous fluids
- The doctor must be informed about allergies, pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, and any history of bleeding disorders.
How is an Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery) done?
There are two procedures for removing the appendix.
- Open Appendectomy- The patient is put under general anesthesia. It is a general surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the lower abdomen. Through this incision, the surgeon can open up the abdomen and tie and remove the appendix. This was commonly done before laparoscopic surgery was introduced. Now, this surgery is reserved for those cases in which the appendix may have ruptured or there is a generalized infection of the abdomen as a complication of the disease.
- Laparoscopic Appendectomy – Laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally invasive surgical method that involves about 2-3 small incisions. The patient is either put under general or lower spinal anesthesia. A camera is fixed with a laparoscope to look inside the abdomen and to fill the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create a clear view. Once the appendix is located it is tied up and excised.
Both these procedures take around an hour and the patient is usually discharged within 48 hours. Although, if any complications like rupture of the appendix may have occurred the patient may need to be kept in the hospital for a few more days till their condition stabilizes. ( Know more about – What is Appendix? )
How to take care after Appendix Surgery?
After surgery, the patient is shifted to another room for observation. Usually, the patient is discharged on the next day if a laparoscopic surgery has been performed and after 3 days in case, an open appendectomy has been performed. Complete recovery takes about 4-6 weeks.
In the hospital-
- The patient is not discharged till bowel movements resume.
- Until bowel movement resume the patient is nil by mouth(no eating or liquids)
- The person is given intravenous fluids
- The patient can resume medications on the advice of the doctor
After discharge-
- The patient may have to follow a special diet for a few days
- Keep away from strenuous exercise.
- Be lightly active
- Keep the dressing clean and change it as often as advised
- Follow up with the doctor
If you experience any of the following problems, then contact the doctor immediately-
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Pain or cramps in the abdomen. ( Know more about- What is Pelvic Pain and Home remedies for Pelvic Pain?)
- Vomiting
- Redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound
- Shortness of breath
- No bowel movements for 2 or more days. ( Know more about- What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? )
- Diarrhea for more than two days
What are the Complications of Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery)?
Complications of appendectomy are very rare and are as follows:
- Paralysis of the bowels. usually recover in a few days
- Generalized infection of the abdomen
- Formation of an abscess elsewhere in the abdomen
- Adhesions may form causing intestinal obstruction
- Hernia, which is an outpouching of the abdominal contents
- Infection of the wound
What is the cost of Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery) in India?
The total cost of appendix surgery in India can range from around INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000.
If you are coming from abroad, in addition to the cost of appendix surgery, there will be an additional cost of accommodation and food, the cost of local travel, etc. After the surgery, the patient has to stay in the hospital for mostly 3-4 days and in the hotel for around 14 days, after getting discharged from the hospital, for complete recovery. This might add up additional charges. So, the cost of appendix surgery can range upto INR 2,50,000.
We hope that we could answer your questions regarding Appendectomy through this article.
If you want more information and treatment of Appendectomy, you can contact a General surgeon.
We only aim to give you information through this article. We do not recommend medication, treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you the best advice.
