Appendectomy Complications

The appendix is a narrow tube or a finger-like pouch, located on the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. This close ended narrow tube is situated at the ileocecal junction, the place where the ileum from the small intestine and the cecum from the colon come together. Whenever the appendix becomes obstructed by the mucus or hardening of the stool, it causes bacteria to multiply. This results in swelling and inflammation. Since appendicitis is a life-threatening situation, surgery is performed to remove an inflamed and infected appendix. This surgical procedure is called appendectomy. Before we move on to appendectomy complications, let's find out the symptoms of appendicitis and its treatment through appendectomy.

What is Appendectomy?

Trauma to the abdomen, inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and infection in the gastrointestinal tract are some of the common causes of appendicitis pain. Pain generally starts at the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. Besides appendix pain, one might also experience tenderness in the lower right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal swelling. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can even burst. This is a life-threatening situation, therefore, appendix removal through appendectomy becomes important.

Appendectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix. The aim of this surgery is to prevent the inflamed appendix from rupturing. The removal of the inflamed appendix could be performed using open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Doctors generally evaluate the patient's condition to decide which type of appendectomy surgery should be performed. Both these procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

Types of Appendectomy

Traditional open appendectomy is performed by making an incision in the lower right section of the abdomen. The surgeon then pulls the appendix through the incision and removes it. The cecum is then closed and the incision is sutured. If the appendix has ruptured, then the pus is cleaned using a warm saline solution or drained out from the abdomen. The incision is not sutured till the pus has been drained out completely. Once the pus has been drained, the skin and muscle layers are sewn together.

Laparoscopy appendectomy, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive technique. Under this procedure, a small incision is made right below the navel and a laparoscope is inserted. A laparoscope is a long tube which has a lens at one end and a miniature video camera at the other. This allows the surgeon to examine the condition of the appendix. A few tiny incisions are made and the special instruments are then passed through them. The abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide. The appendix is then removed through one of the incisions. The cecum is stitched and all the incisions are sutured.

Complications of Appendectomy

As with any other surgery, there are certain risks involved in appendectomy as well. Risks involved in appendectomy depend on the state of the appendix at the time of its removal. Sometimes, the appendix might rupture during the surgery and as a result, pus might spill over the abdominal cavity. This can cause peritonitis or a generalized infection in the abdomen. Injury to the surrounding organs is one of the most common risks. There is a risk of developing wounds or abscesses. One may suffer from bleeding or infections. Paralytic ileus is another complication that may arise post appendectomy. When the surgeon performs appendectomy, it might disturb the bowel movement and as a result, it might come to a standstill. The bowel might become swollen or distended due to fluid and gas.

Though laparoscopic appendectomy has certain advantages such as less post-operative pain, shorter stay at the hospital, less scarring and shorter appendectomy recovery time, this surgical procedure is difficult and takes a longer time. Complications could arise due to the longer exposure to anesthetics. Intra-abdominal abscesses and perforation of the bowel are some of the risks associated with laparoscopic appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy may also be more difficult in patients who have had previous lower abdominal surgery. The elderly might also be at an increased risk of developing complications due to administration of general anesthesia.

This was some information on risks associated with appendectomy. Those who have undergone an appendectomy must take proper care for faster recovery. If symptoms such as rectal bleeding, increased abdominal swelling, shortness of breath, pus or redness around the incisions, persistent fever and an inability to eat and drink are experienced post surgery, one must consult a doctor immediately.