Appendix Removal Surgery

Appendix removal surgery, or appendectomy, is a surgery to remove an infected appendix that is inflamed or infected. It is the most common treatment for appendicitis and is performed mostly in a laparoscopic method to reduce risks or complications. Open surgeries are also performed by the best appendix surgeon, depending on the situation's complexity.

An inflamed appendix has the potential to rupture and cause severe damage. This is why appendicitis is considered to be an emergency medical condition that needs immediate intervention. A healthy appendix is considered a vestigial organ, which means its exact function in the human body is not understood. So, appendix removal surgery will not have much of a negative effect on your long-term health. Choose Gleneagles Hospitals to ensure the best treatment for appendicitis.

An appendix removal is an emergency procedure that is performed to surgically remove the appendix in cases of inflammation and infections. Appendicitis treatment can be potentially life-saving, as a ruptured appendix spreads infection through the bloodstream that can lead to sepsis and other life-threatening conditions. The appendix can burst within 36 hours of the first symptom, so time is really valuable in appendix removal surgery.

Based on the surgery method, there are two main types of appendix-removal surgery. They are open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy. Here are some common types of appendectomy that you can look at in detail:

• Open Appendectomy: Open surgery for appendicitis treatment involves making a single, large incision in the lower right area of the abdomen to remove the appendix. This method allows for direct access in complex cases.
• Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Laparoscopic appendectomy is the preferred method of appendix removal due to lower risks and complications. In this method, the surgeon makes several small incisions through which a laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted. This minimally invasive procedure results in quicker recovery and less scarring.

Appendix removal surgery is best for appendicitis treatment and can be potentially life-saving. It is the best way to alleviate pain associated with appendicitis. The surgery prevents the appendix from rupturing and causing severe complications that can threaten your well-being. Here are some common causes why appendix removal surgery is needed:

• Severe Symptoms of Infected Appendix: If a patient has ongoing signs of infection like fever, abdominal pain, and other signs of infection.
• Inflamed Appendix: Inflamed appendixes are at risk of rupture and require immediate medical attention.
• Chron’s Disease: If a patient has an established diagnosis of Chron’s disease without cecal involvement and evidence of acute appendicitis, they might need appendix removal.

Preparation for appendicitis treatment with appendix removal is necessary for patients to derive the most benefits and ensure a smooth recovery journey. Here is what you need to know about preparation for appendix removal surgery:

• Before the Surgery: Before performing any surgery, the leading appendix surgeon would confirm appendicitis with imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, and blood work. You need to be open and thorough about your medical history, allergies, and medicines to avoid any unnecessary complications. You need to fast for 6–8 hours before the surgery to avoid complications with anaesthesia. As per the doctor's advice, stop the blood thinners before the surgery. You might be given antibiotics to prevent the risk of infections. Carry loose and comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, and necessary documents to the hospital.

• During the Surgery: The surgery can be performed in two ways: traditional open surgery and laparoscopic appendectomy. Surgeons typically prefer the laparoscopic method to reduce surgical trauma and enable faster healing. Open appendectomy is usually performed when the appendix has already ruptured.

• Post-Surgery Recovery: In the case of laparoscopic appendectomy, patients are discharged on the same day. A 1-2-day hospital stay might be required if complications arise. Pain medications will be given to manage the discomfort after the surgery. Start with light foods and liquids, and avoid heavy meals for a few weeks. Avoid any heavy activity for 2-4 weeks after the surgery. Watch out for fever, swelling, or pus at the infection site and notify your healthcare provider immediately. 

Appendix removal surgery is an emergency surgery for appendicitis. Understanding the appendix removal surgery procedure would relieve anxiety in the mind of the patient. Here is a brief overview of the appendix-removal surgery procedure:

• Pre-Surgery Preparation: At first, the doctor would perform a thorough evaluation to confirm appendicitis. Before the surgery, you will need to fast for 6–8 hours. General anaesthesia would be provided to make the procedure pain-free and comfortable. An IV line would be created to start antibiotics and fluids.

• Surgery Process: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a preferred method where 3-4 tiny incisions would be made in the abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas would be used to inflate the abdomen for better visibility. A laparoscope or tiny camera would be inserted to provide a better view. The appendix will be detached and removed with the help of advanced surgical equipment, and the incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical glue. In complicated cases, an open appendectomy is performed, where a large incision of 2-4 inches is made in the lower right abdomen. The appendix is located and removed through the incision. If the appendix has ruptured, the abdomen is cleaned to remove infections. The area of the incision is closed with stitches or staples.

• Post-Surgery Recovery: You will be monitored in the recovery room for 1-2 hours or longer for any complications before you are cleared to go home. You will be given pain management for the discomfort.

Laparoscopic appendectomy has a shorter recovery period of 1-2 weeks compared to open appendectomy, which takes around 2-4 weeks to heal. In laparoscopic appendix removal surgery, patients are discharged the same day unless any complications arise. In the case of open appendectomy, patients might be required to stay 1-3 days for monitoring. Mild to moderate pain is normal, and you will be given pain management for that. However, severe and persistent pain requires medical attention.

Keep the incision area clean and dry to avoid infection. Watch for signs of infections like redness, warmth, and pus to identify complications early on.

You will be advised to rest for 2-4 weeks with no strenuous activities or heavy lifting unless cleared by a doctor. Short walks are encouraged to improve circulation and prevent blood clots. In terms of diet, start with bland and light foods so as not to irritate your stomach. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine, or alcohol. Eat fibre-rich food and take stool softeners to prevent constipation.

Light activities can be started after 1-2 weeks. You will need to avoid driving till the pain medications wear off. You can slowly resume exercises after 4-6 weeks as per the doctor's advice.

Appendicitis treatment is a typically safe procedure, with the complications arising from the surgery being able to be managed with further treatments. Here are some of the risk factors associated with appendix removal surgery:

• Infection: It is the most common complication of appendix removal surgery that can create deeper abdominal infections and form abscesses.
• Bleeding: Severe bleeding can happen during or after the surgery, which might require a transfusion and further treatments.
• Bowel Obstruction: If scar tissue forms on the surgery site, it can cause the intestine to become partially blocked.
  Ileus: In rare cases, bowel muscles stop working permanently, leading to difficulty passing stool.
• Hernia: A bulge can form at the incision site, which can push through the abdominal wall.
• Organ Injury: In rare cases, there are small risks of injuring nearby organs like the bladder or the small intestine during the surgery. 

Gleneagles Hospitals is the top choice for appendicitis treatment because of its personalised treatment and patient-centric care. We house the leading appendix surgeon, specialising in both laparoscopic and traditional open appendectomy. We are available 24/7 for the best emergency surgical care. Here are some of the reasons Gleneagles Hospitals is considered one of the best hospitals for appendix removal surgery:

• Expert Surgeons: We have a highly skilled medical team of surgeons and support staff to provide top-notch emergency care.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic labs that help in precise diagnosis.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Gleneagles Hospitals specialises in minimally invasive laparoscopic appendectomy for faster recovery.
• World-Class Infrastructure: Our modern operating rooms and recovery units provide complete comfort.
• High Success Rate: The hospital has a remarkable success rate in excellent patient outcomes.