TESTS AND PROCEDURES

Appendectomy

September 17, 2019

Appendectomy

An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. The goal is to remove the appendix safely. In most cases, the surgery takes about 30 to 60 minutes. If your appendix has burst, surgery may take longer.

Before surgery

You may get fluids, antibiotics, and other medicines through an IV (intravenous) line. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or have any other health concerns. You will be given anesthesia just before your appendectomy. This keeps you pain-free and allows you to sleep during the surgery.

Types of surgery

An appendectomy may be done in 2 ways. Your surgeon will discuss which method is best for you:

  • Open surgery. One cut or incision, several inches long, is made in your lower right side. A bigger incision may be used if the appendix has burst.

  • Laparoscopic surgery. About 2 to 4 small incisions are used. One is near your belly button. The others are on other parts of your belly (abdomen). A thin tube with a tiny camera attached (laparoscope) is inserted through 1 incision. The camera shows the inside of your abdomen on a video screen. This image helps guide the surgery. Tiny surgical tools are put into the other incisions.

Finishing the surgery

In most cases, the full incision is closed with stitches or staples. Your surgeon may place a short-term (temporary) drain in the wound or in your abdomen. This helps remove any extra fluid. This may help prevent infection. This drain is usually taken out before you are discharged. If your appendix has burst, the outer layers of the incision may be left open. Leaving the skin open prevents infection from forming under the skin. It may heal on its own. Or it may be closed about 5 days later.

After the surgery

Keep any recommended follow-up appointments with your provider. If you are told to take any medicines, take them as directed. If you are given breathing exercises, do them as directed. After the surgery, your appendix is checked under a microscope. Your provider will tell you the results.  

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

  • Swelling, oozing, worsening pain, or redness near the incision
  • A fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
  • Belly pain that gets worse
  • Severe diarrhea, bloating, or constipation
  • Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling or pain in your legs

 

 

Updated:  

September 17, 2019

Sources:  

Krishna, V., Safety and efficacy of antibiotics compared with appendectomy for treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis, British Medical Journal (2012); pp. 1-15, Thompson, A., Antibiotic Therapy vs Appendectomy for Treatment of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis, Journal of American Medical Association (2015); 314; pp. 314

Reviewed By:  

Jen Lehrer MD,John Hanrahan MD,L Renee Watson MSN RN