Appendectomy Surgery

Appendectomy is the surgery that is performed to remove the vermiform appendix, which is infected and inflamed. Such inflammation of the appendix is termed as appendicitis, which causes severe pain. Vermiform appendix is a finger-shaped tube-like organ, that projects out of the cecum, which is the junction between the small intestine and the large intestine. The average length of the vermiform appendix is around ten centimeters and it has a diameter of about eight millimeters. The appendix location is at the lower right side of the abdomen. Even though, it is believed that this organ is a vestigial one, that is, it has no obvious function, an infection can result in the inflammation of the appendix, which may rupture and lead to complications. So, most cases of appendectomy are performed as emergency procedures, so as to avoid rupture of the inflamed appendix, or to protect the body from the complications associated with ruptured appendix.

Appendectomy Procedure

While this surgery is preferred in most cases of chronic appendicitis, very mild ones are treated with antibiotics. It can be performed in two ways - open surgery and laparoscopy. While laparoscopy is preferred in case of any doubt in the diagnosis, or to avoid the undesirable scars. This procedure is more expensive, but the recovery time is less, when compared to open surgery. So, the type of procedure done is a factor that decides the surgery cost. An open or typical appendicitis surgery involves the following steps:

• The first and foremost procedure is to administer antibiotics to avoid the development of sepsis. If there are symptoms of sepsis, antibiotics are given beforehand. Otherwise, intravenous antibiotics are given before the surgery.
• The next step is the administration of anesthesia, which is the followed by making the incision.
• An incision two to three inches long is made in the right lower abdomen several inches above the hip bone, which is called the McBurney's point, which represents the position of the base of the appendix.
• This incision cuts open the skin as well as the abdominal muscle tissues. The appendix is identified and cut away, along with infected tissues. The surgeon may also wash the area with sterile fluid and suction out the pus. If the leakage from the ruptured appendix has spread, then the surgeon will wash the whole abdomen.
• The opening is sutured or stapled and each layer of the abdominal wall is closed. Appendectomy is complete as the opening in the skin is sutured or stapled and the wound is dressed with sterile bandage.
• In case of laparoscopic appendectomy, small incisions are made. Laparoscope with attached camera (which sends images to a monitor) is inserted through one incision. The abdominal tissues are held with instruments inserted through other incisions. The abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide, so that the surgeon gets enough space to work. Once the appendix is removed, the procedure is same as that of open surgery, though laparoscopic appendectomy recovery is faster. In case of a ruptured appendix, open surgery is performed, mostly to prevent complications of ruptured appendix. Open surgery can result in scars and may also result in a longer recovery time.

Once the surgery is over, the patient will be shifted to the recovery room. The recovery time may vary from one person to another. In case of an unruptured appendix, the recovery may be quicker, as compared to a ruptured one. The most common complications associated with appendectomy are fever, infection of the wound and intra-abdominal abscess. Complications like breathing trouble and chest infection can be caused by anesthesia. Bowel problems may also occur in some rare cases.

Appendectomy is one of the commonly performed surgeries. The recovery time and cost depend on the type of the procedure. Some patients may recover within some days, while some others may take two to three weeks. The patient starts with a liquid diet and gradually reverts to a normal diet. With proper care and restricted physical activity for some time, the patient can gradually gain back complete health.