Acute Appendicitis

Appendicitis Surgery (Appendicectomy)

An appendicectomy refers to the surgical removal of the appendix and it is performed to prevent potentially life-threatening complications if and when the inflamed appendix ruptures. Appendicectomy is performed under general anaesthesia.

There are two types of appendicectomy:

• Open Appendicectomy

  – During an open appendicectomy, the surgeon makes a long, single incision in the lower right side of the abdomen, removes the appendix, cleans the abdominal cavity (if the appendix has already ruptured), and closes the incision with stitches. This tradtional approach may be offered if minimally invasive approach is deemed not suitable.

• Laparoscopic Appendicectomy

  – This is now the standard of care for patients with appendicitis and adopts a less invasive approach. Instead of one large incision, 3 small incisions are made in the abdomen, through which a laparoscope and specialised surgical tools are inserted to perform the surgery. This technique allows for faster recovery with less pain and smaller scars.

What to Expect After Appendicectomy

Following an appendicectomy, patients may experience:

• Discomfort and Pain – Soreness and discomfort around the incision site or within the abdominal area are common but mild and can be managed with medications. This will subside as one recovers.
• Fatigue – Post-surgery fatigue is common as the body recuperates and is a normal part of the recovery process. The patient typically regains strength as the days go by.
• Tenderness & Itching at the Incision – The area around the incision may feel tender or itchy while healing. Keeping the area clean is vital to prevent infection.
• Bowel Changes – Constipation or diarrhoea may occur and typically resolve as the body adjusts. You may be advised to consume a high-fibre diet and drink plenty of water during recovery.

Drainage of abscess, with appendicectomy at a later date

• If the appendix has ruptured with a walled-off abscess around it, initial drainage of the abscess, by placing a tube through the skin with the help of CT or ultrasound, may be recommended. Intravenous antibiotics will also be given. Once the infection is under control, appendicectomy is then performed several weeks later. (Interval appendicectomy)
• Patients with free rupture of the appendix with pus in the abdominal cavity are not suitable for this mode of treatment. Instead, immediate surgery is required to remove the appendix and clean up the pus in the abdominal cavity.
  
  If you suspect you have appendicitis, go to the Accident and Emergency room (A&E), or make an early appointment with our specialists at Surgical Associates.