Table of Contents
Is appendix removal necessary?
If you have appendicitis, your appendix will usually need to be removed as soon as possible. This operation is known as an appendicectomy or appendectomy. Surgery is often also recommended if there’s a chance you have appendicitis but it’s not been possible to make a clear diagnosis.
What happens if appendix is not removed?
The main problem with appendicitis is the risk of a burst appendix. This may happen if the appendix is not removed quickly. A burst appendix can lead to infection throughout the belly called peritonitis. Peritonitis can be very serious and even cause death if not treated right away.
Why is a drain put in after appendectomy?
Patients who had appendectomy for complicated appendicitis are more prone to develop post-operative complications such as peritoneal abscess or wound infection. Sometimes, abdominal drainage is used to reduce these complications.
Can you sleep on your side after appendix surgery?
The doctors do not recommend sleeping on the stomach after the surgery. This position can hurt your spine and can also pressurize the hip area. Try to control your sleeping habit if you are a stomach sleeper. It is best to sleep on your side or back.
How does a laparoscopic appendectomy remove the appendix?
One way to remove the appendix is by making one larger cut, or incision, below and to the right of your belly button. This is referred to as an open appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy removes the appendix using small incisions and will be described below. How is a Laparoscopic Appendectomy Performed?
How long does it take to drain an abscess appendix?
To drain an abscess, the surgeon places a tube in the abscess through the abdominal wall. You leave the drainage tube in place for about 2 weeks while you take antibiotics to treat infection. When the infection and inflammation are under control, about 6 to 8 weeks later, surgeons operate to remove what remains of the burst appendix.
How long does it take to remove a burst appendix?
You leave the drainage tube in place for about 2 weeks while you take antibiotics to treat infection. When the infection and inflammation are under control, about 6 to 8 weeks later, surgeons operate to remove what remains of the burst appendix.
Is it possible to cure appendicitis without an appendectomy?
A laparoscopic appendectomy has a shorter hospital stay, shorter recovery time, and lower infection rates. Recently, some studies have suggested that intravenous antibiotics alone could cure appendicitis without the need for appendectomy. These results remain controversial and appendectomy remains the standard of care.