APPENDECTOMY

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of the vermiform appendix, an outgrowth of tissue from the cecum, the first part of the large intestine.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Vermiform appendix; cecum; peritoneum.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--

Treatment of an infected appendix. Signs and symptoms of infection include:

• Abdominal pain. > Loss of appetite. > Tenderness in the right lower abdomen. > Low-grade fever. > Elevated white blood-cell count.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Alcoholism; obesity; smoking.
• Chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; cortisone; or laxatives. Caution: If you suspect you have appendicitis, do not take laxatives.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies, x-rays of abdomen, ultrasound and CT (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe or spinal anesthesia.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made in the lower abdomen.
• The abdominal muscles and organs are separated and the appendix is isolated, cut free and removed. The intestine is closed, cauterized and sterilized to prevent infection.
• The area around the appendix is inspected for undetected diseases. Other surgeries may be performed at this time.
• Any fluid or pus from the infected appendix is suctioned away.
• Sometimes, a drain is placed in the area left by the removed appendix. The abdominal cavity is closed, and the skin is closed with sutures, which usually can be removed 1 week after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Inadvertent injury to the ureter.
• Intra-abdominal abscess.
• Bowel obstruction.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--3 to 5 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein blood clots.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 9 days after returning home.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract begins to function again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience new symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.