Appendectomy surgery is the removal of the appendix. This is done after a doctor has made a determination as to whether or not an appendicitis was indicated. When an appendectomy surgery is needed antibiotics are always given prior to surgery. For most patients an appendectomy cannot be helped, however, there are a small amount of patients where the inflammation is contained to a small localized area.
During this procedure an incision is made through the skin as well as the abdomen wall in the area of the appendix. A physician will make sure there are no other complications present before beginning. The appendix is taken out by removing it from the attached part of the abdomen and colon, stitching over the hole left in the colon. If an abscess if found it is drained and the incision is then stitched over.
New technologies are available such as the use of a laparoscope. This is done with a smaller incision and much less pain after surgery, hence recovery time is much less.
There are only a few appendectomy complications known. Most often it is an infection of the incision area. Most often this is mild and only leaves some redness and tenderness. A moderate infection would result in antibiotics where a severe infection may result in more surgery and antibiotics. In the event of infection before the surgery is complete the surgeon may choose not to stitch the wound until the severe infection has cleared.
Other known appendectomy complications include an abscess which is a collection of pus in the surrounding area.
An appendectomy recovery typically leaves the patient in the operating room for about an hour following the procedure and one to three days in the hospital following. Those who have suffered from a ruptured appendix typically spend more time in the hospital recovering. Those who had laparoscopic procedure typically leave the hospital within hours after the procedure is performed. Regardless of the procedure type the patient should not drive after.
The type of procedure will determine the appendectomy recovery time but it does typically take several weeks. Some pain is typical after this type of surgery and over-the-counter medications are recommended. Patients are strongly advised to avoid activities that may strain your incision area such as heavy lifting and exercise for a month following the procedure.
A full recovery is usually indicated with no special requirements to lifestyle after. In rare cases however those who have undergone the procedure may have some inflammation to the remaining part of the appendix. If this is the case then a second surgery to the area may be indicated.
If you would like more information please visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002921.htm for information regarding appendectomy surgery.