What is Appendectomy?
Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small, worm-like, tubular appendage attached to the colon's cecum. The appendix is a small pouch that does not perform any vital functions in the body. However, it is close to the large intestine and is sometimes vulnerable to infection due to the accumulation of stool, bacteria, and other infectious material.
If the appendix becomes inflamed, the relevant condition is referred to as appendicitis, and appendectomy is the most commonly used procedure to treat appendicitis.
Appendectomy is an emergency surgery because the appendix can burst or rupture, allowing the infectious contents to enter the abdominal cavity. This can happen as soon as 48 to 72 hours after you have symptoms and can cause a severe, life-threatening infection called "peritonitis" in your belly. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist as soon as you recognize some symptoms associated with appendicitis.
When Should You Get An Appendix Operation?
An appendix operation is recommended when you experience symptoms of appendicitis such as appetite loss, diarrhea, fever, frequent urination, nausea, painful urination, vomiting, etc.
Appendix pain typically radiates from the naval, moving down to the lower right abdomen and, in some cases, starting from the lower right abdomen and moving up to the naval.
Appendix Pain usually feels like a sharp stabbing pain that comes and goes or sometimes lasts for longer periods. The pain can develop gradually or become extremely severe instantly, depending upon the nature of appendicitis.
As the inflammation worsens, the pain tends to get more and more severe. If you feel a sharp stabbing pain around the abdominal area, usually in the region of the belly button, make sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will assess your situation and determine whether you require an appendectomy or not. In some cases, appendicitis can be treated with antibiotics, but it is very rare as doctors will usually recommend that healthy people have an appendectomy to avoid the appendix rupturing later on.
Types Of Appendectomy
1. Open appendectomy
A cut or incision about 2 to 4 inches long is made in the lower right-hand side of your belly or abdomen, and the appendix is taken out through the incision. The step-by-step procedure of an Open Appendectomy is as follows:
- A cut or incision will be made in the lower right part of your belly.
- Your abdominal muscles will be separated, and the abdominal area will be opened.
- Your appendix will be tied off with stitches and removed.
- If your appendix has burst or ruptured, your abdomen will be washed out with salt water (saline).
- The lining of your abdomen and abdominal muscles will be closed with stitches. A small tube may be put in the incision to drain out fluids.
2. Laparoscopic appendectomy
During laparoscopic surgery, surgeons use several smaller incisions and a long, thin tube called a laparoscope, which is inserted into one of the incisions. The laparoscope has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. The surgeon looks at a TV monitor to see the inside of your abdomen and guide the tools. The appendix is removed through one of the incisions.
Laparoscopic surgery leads to fewer complications, such as hospital-related infections, and has a shorter recovery time.
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include:
- Lower risk of complications, such as hospital-related infections.
- Shorter recovery time.
Patients should limit physical exercise for the first 3 to 5 days after surgery.
3. Laparotomy
Using the laparotomy method, the appendix is removed through a single incision in the lower right area of the abdomen. This may be necessary for a burst appendix. It allows the surgeon to clean the inside of the abdomen to prevent infection. Patients should limit their physical activity for the first 10 to 14 days after a laparotomy surgery.
Possible Complications Of Appendectomy
Appendectomy is a safe procedure if performed by a specialist surgeon, but like any other surgical procedure, it carries its risks. Talk to your doctor before getting an appendectomy to be aware of the risks involved. The common complications of an appendectomy include:
- Bleeding
- Wound infection.
- Infection, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of the belly can occur if the appendix bursts during surgery (peritonitis).
- Blocked bowels.
- Injury to nearby organs.
Are There Long-Term Consequences Of Appendix Removal?
Removal of your appendix is not associated with any major long-term health problems. However, some individuals may have an increased risk of developing an incisional hernia, stump appendicitis (infections due to a retained portion of the appendix), and bowel obstruction. This happens very rarely, and the chances of this happening are almost non-existent. If you are concerned about possible complications, consult your surgeon and follow the prescribed guidelines to avoid serious health risks.
What Kind Of Doctors Offer Appendectomy?
In the early stage, a pediatrician, internist, or family physician can perform a checkup to diagnose appendicitis. However, it is recommended that you visit a general or other type of surgeon. The doctor will perform a regular checkup and ask certain questions to evaluate the situation. If appendicitis is suspected, a general surgeon will always be consulted in case of surgery.
What Is The Recovery Time For Appendectomy?
Recovery from an appendectomy depends on the severity of the inflammation. If the inflammation is mild, it can take a few days to a week. If the inflammation has been more excessive, such as an abscess or localized perforation of the appendix, recovery might take several weeks. In certain cases, such as the appendix rupture into the peritoneal cavity, the recovery duration may require even longer.
With the advancement in technology and the introduction of the latest tools and techniques, recovery has become much faster, such as the substitution of laparoscopic for "open surgery."
Appendix Operation Cost in Video Consultation
The appendix operation cost in Video Consultation is around PKR 50,000 - 200,000. This price range varies depending upon the surgeon who performed the surgery, the medical facility in which the surgery was performed, the condition of the patient, and the hospital expenditure/equipment. To get the best rates on surgery appointments and avail of free consultations and discounts, make sure to use Oladoc or call 04238900939. You can also avail of up to 50% discounts on your checkups.
