When is the appendix taken out

Appendix surgery could hurt nearby areas such as the bladder, large intestine colon , or small intestine. You might need another surgery if this happens. This may require further treatment. Most complications from appendectomy are rare, which means they almost never happen.

If you are concerned about any possible complications, ask your surgeon. You may go home the day you have your surgery, or you might stay in the hospital overnight. You need to be able to drink liquids before you go home. If the appendix had already perforated burst , you may be in the hospital for a longer period of time.

You will feel some pain after surgery. Pain at the incision sites and in your abdomen is common. You might also have pain in your shoulders. This is from the carbon dioxide put into your abdomen during the operation. The shoulder pain should go away in 24 to 48 hours. You can take non-prescription medications to relieve pain, unless your doctor tells you not to take over-the-counter medications.

Putting ice on your incisions can also help. Ask your doctor or nurse about the correct way to use ice. Your surgeon might prescribe a small amount of narcotic pain medicine to help you with pain. Many people recover from surgery without taking any narcotic pain medicine, but some will need narcotics for a few days.

If you have questions about pain after surgery, ask the surgeon or your nurses. They should be able to tell you how long the pain will last and what to expect. You might feel sick to your stomach nauseated or throw up vomit after your surgery. Having surgery and anesthesia can make this happen. You should feel better in a day or two. He or she will also give you a physical exam. This is to make sure you are in good health before you have surgery. You may also need blood tests and other diagnostic tests.

You must not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the surgery. This often means no food or drink after midnight. Make sure your provider has a list of all medicines prescribed and over-the-counter and all herbs, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking. Are allergic to or sensitive to latex, medicines, tape, or anesthesia medicines local and general.

Have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking any blood-thinning anticoagulant medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may have to stop taking these medicines before surgery.

In most cases an appendectomy is an emergency surgery and will require a hospital stay. You will have either an open appendectomy or a laparoscopic appendectomy. An appendectomy is done while you are given medicines to put you into a deep sleep under general anesthesia. You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that might get in the way during surgery.

A tube will be put down your throat to help you breathe. The anesthesiologist will check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery.

If your appendix has burst or ruptured, your abdomen will be washed out with salt water saline. The lining of your abdomen and your abdominal muscles will be closed with stitches. A small tube may be put in the incision to drain out fluids.

A tiny incision will be made for the tube laparoscope. More cuts may be made so that other tools can be used during surgery. Carbon dioxide gas will be used to swell up your abdomen so that your appendix and other organs can be easily seen. When the surgery is done, the laparoscope and tools will be removed. The carbon dioxide will be let out through the cuts. A small tube may be placed in the cut to drain out fluids. After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room.

However, for those whose appendix has ruptured or who have had a previous abdominal surgery, an open appendectomy may be needed. If you begin to develop symptoms of appendicitis, quickly seek medical treatment at a facility such as Lane Regional Medical Center. With a team of skilled general surgeons and caring staff, Lane can provide the care you need to remain healthy and avoid future complications.

I Love Lane Testimonials. Here is what you should know: What is the Purpose of the Appendix? What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis? What can You Expect from an Appendectomy? This can be performed in one of two ways: Laparoscopic Appendectomy - A few, very small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a tube called a cannula is inserted. Through this tube, carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdominal cavity and give the surgeon a clearer view of the appendix.

Once the anesthesiologist sees your child is recovering and his or her pain is controlled, he or she will be moved to his or her hospital room. This usually takes about an hour, but every child is different so times may vary. You are encouraged to talk to your child or hold his or her hand before the surgery, while sleep medication is given, and while in recovery.

Pain Medication Before the surgery, many patients are also given a regional block, a pain medication that is injected to the outside of the spine to numb the area. During the surgery, your child will be given a numbing medication directly into the incision to relieve discomfort after the surgery.

After the surgery, your child will most likely have abdominal pain. Before you go home, your doctor will prescribe pain medication for your child. At Home After the Surgery After your child is discharged and goes home, he or she should take it easy for the next 1 to 2 weeks. Within 2 days your child may slowly return to his or her regular diet. If your child had a lap appendectomy without a ruptured appendix, no follow-up visit with the surgeon is needed.

Activity Following the surgery, activity needs to be somewhat restricted. Your surgeon will determine when your child may resume normal activities. Your child may return to school when he or she no longer requires narcotic pain medicine. Participation in contact sports and gym class is not permitted until the follow-up appointment with the surgeon, about 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery.

Swimming is permitted 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Walking and stair climbing are encouraged. When To Call the Doctor If your child has a fever higher than Special Needs If your child has any special needs or health issues you feel the doctor needs to know about, please call the Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh before the follow-up visit and ask to speak with a nurse.

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