A thin pouch of the shape of a finger that arises from the colon is the appendix. The location is on the right side of the abdomen. The role of the appendix in the body is still under search. There is an assumption that the appendix helps in recovering from diarrhea of the small and large intestine, inflammation, and infections. The function of the body remains unaffected even after the removal of the appendix.

‘Appendicitis’ is the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix becomes inflamed due to infection. The bacteria can grow very speedily inside this organ and pus formation takes place. The infection causes pain around the belly button and this infection spreads to the lower part of the abdomen. The pain becomes severe while walking or coughing. Appendicitis causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you feel pain on the right side of the abdomen, you need to consult a doctor immediately. In such a case, a delay in consultation or avoidance of treatment may lead to rupture of the appendix, causing the release of infection into the abdominal cavity.

Sometimes, this can become life-threatening.

What is an appendectomy?

Appendectomy means the surgical removal of the appendix. It is important to note that the appendix should be removed before it bursts. There are two methods of performing appendectomy, one is by the open method and another one is using laparoscopy. In an open appendectomy, a single long incision is made on the right side of the stomach, and in a laparoscopic appendectomy, one incision of approximately 1 cm and other incisions of approximately 0.5 cm is made over the abdomen.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy Procedure

After giving general anesthesia a nick is given just above the belly button. Carbon dioxide gas then fills the intestine. From the incision made above the belly button, the camera is inserted and other surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions made on the abdomen.

In some cases, while performing a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon converts this laparoscopic procedure to an open procedure. This conversion depends on the complications.

The tiny incisions are closed with stitches until the operation is done. Stapes, medical tapes, or silicone are now often used for sealing an incision.

Advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy

In comparison to open appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy carries many advantages, such as:

♦️ Lesser postoperative pain

♦️ Reduced blood loss and injury to the internal organs

♦️ Short hospital stay

♦️ Early recovery and getting back to work

♦️ Small incision and faster healing

Complications of Laparoscopic Appendectomy?

In general, the complications related to laparoscopic appendectomy are very less. But, still complications can occur. Some of these include bleeding, the formation of blood clots, infection at the site of surgery, etc. A hernia can happen.

Generally, the complications from appendectomy are not major and are manageable.

When to come for follow-up

The doctor will schedule a follow-up within 1 to 4 weeks of surgery. And 1 follow-up for checkup and removal of stitches.

When to See the Doctor?

Be sure to call your surgeon or family doctor if you have any of the problems below:

♦️ High-grade fever

♦️ Pain not tolerable in the abdomen

♦️ Having a feeling of nausea/vomiting

♦️ Blood oozing or pus coming out from the surgical incisions

♦️ Any other abnormal signs or symptoms