Often, surgery is performed to remove the appendix, treating appendicitis. Sometimes, administering antibiotics is enough to address the condition, particularly in the case of uncomplicated inflammation. Doctors often give the medication through a drip for 1-3 days and prescribed as a syrup or tablet for around one week after the initial treatment. Upper East Side acute care surgery for appendicitis is called an appendectomy.
What is an Appendectomy?
This surgical procedure is performed to remove the inflamed appendix known as appendicitis. Symptoms of this condition include abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. You must seek immediate medical attention when you experience these symptoms. Not getting treatment for appendicitis can cause your appendix to rupture. When this occurs, toxins like bacteria can be released into your abdominal cavity, putting your life at risk.
An infection of the appendix can happen when an opening gets clogged with stool and bacteria. This causes the appendix to become inflamed and swell. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent rupture. A ruptured appendix can also result in peritonitis and abscess, both of which are severe and must be treated immediately.
Appendectomy Procedure
Appendectomy is performed using the following procedures:
- Open appendectomy. This involves making an incision through your skin, the abdominal wall, and the underlying tissue to access your appendix.
- Laparoscopy. In this procedure, a surgeon makes three small incisions in your abdomen and inserts instruments into them. This allows them to more easily examine your appendix and internal organs.
Which type of procedure you have depends on the seriousness of your appendicitis. Your surgeon will talk to you about your options. You can ask questions to your surgeon if there are things related to the procedure that you do not understand. If your appendix has ruptured, a laparoscopic appendectomy can become open surgery.
What to Expect After Surgery
After your surgery, you will be observed by your healthcare team for a few hours. The team will monitor your vital signs like heart rate and respiratory rates. Also, they will check for reactions to the surgery or anesthesia. How long you will stay in the hospital depends on factors such as your overall health, the kind of surgery you undergo, whether your appendix has burst, and the way your body reacts to the procedure. You may be allowed to leave the hospital on the same day as your surgical operation if you have non-serious appendicitis.
