Appendicitis Recovery After Surgery

Appendicitis is a medical condition, which is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the appendix (an extended finger-shaped tube connected to the cecum). There are two types of appendicitis - acute (severe) and chronic (mild). The most probable cause of appendicitis condition is blockage at the appendix opening due to mucus or stool accumulation. Over a period of time, these unwanted materials harden and bacterial infection occurs, leading to inflammation of the appendix. Though appendicitis occurs in any age group, the chances of appendicitis is high among people who are between 10-30 years. Read more on appendicitis in children.

Symptoms and Treatment of Appendicitis

Some of the noticeable signs of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and discomfort in the abdominal area, which usually progresses to severe, unbearable pain. Timely diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis is essential in order to prevent health complications such as periappendiceal abscess (pus collection), peritonitis (abdominal lining infection) and intestinal blockage. Based on the age of the patient and diagnostic result, the doctor may recommend either nonsurgical method or surgical procedure for treating appendicitis. Also, it is to be borne in mind that appendicitis recovery after surgery may vary from one patient to another. Read more on appendicitis causes and treatment.

In some cases, the body succeeds in healing the inflammation of appendix after proper administration of antibiotics. Thus, appendicitis recovery is possible without the intervention of surgical procedures. Such a nonsurgical treatment of appendicitis is also recommended for patients who are not in a condition to undergo surgery or whose diagnostic results are not clear. During the appendicitis recovery period, the patient is restricted to consumption of easily digestible foods such as clear liquid, semi liquid and soft foods. In other words, a patient should abstain from food items that take longer time for digestion, until infection in the appendix is cured.

Appendicitis Recovery After Surgery

Appendectomy or appendicitis surgery is often recommended for treatment of acute appendicitis. Basically, there are two common surgical methods for treating appendicitis, namely laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery. In the former type, a single incision is made in the lower right abdomen to remove the inflamed appendix, whereas in case of the latter technique, appendix is removed by making many small incisions in the abdominal area. The concerned physician may prescribe certain changes in the lifestyle to be followed during the appendectomy recovery period.

Appendicitis recovery after surgery is usually achieved within 4 - 6 weeks, provided that the patient follows the prescriptions carefully, as suggested by the physician. Nevertheless similar to any other treatment methods, acute appendicitis recovery time may differ from one patient to another based on the overall health condition of the patient and the type of appendectomy performed. For example, if appendix bursting occurs prior to surgery, then the recovery time may be longer than other regular cases of appendectomy. Read more on complications of ruptured appendix.

Tips on Appendicitis Recovery After Surgery

As per data, appendicitis recovery after laparoscopic surgery is shorter in comparison to the laparotomy method. Also, there are less chances of appendicitis complications after surgery such as hospital related infections in case of laparoscopic procedure. Following are some of the important steps that should be followed during appendicitis recovery period:

• Do not indulge in strenuous physical activities or household works at least for 1 - 2 weeks after appendectomy, or as directed by the surgeon.
• Proper rest and sleep are necessary until the body heals completely.
• While getting up from sitting or sleeping position, get up gently and walk slowly in small paces and at the same time, go for short walks.
• If there are any signs of soreness and infection at the incision site, one should immediately call the doctor.
• Regarding appendicitis recovery food, one should consume healthy food items (including solid foods) and drink ample quantity of water.

With proper health care, appendicitis recovery complications can be avoided completely. During the time period of appendicitis recovery after surgery, alcohol and heavy foods that slow down digestion are strictly not recommended. Last but not the least, consult the doctor before going to work or resuming normal activities. On the brighter side, majority of people recover fully after the treatment of appendicitis without having to make any major lifestyle changes.