Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)

A loyalty program is available for surgical interventions in the hospital, which makes treatment even more affordable. 

Appendicitis — this is inflammation of the appendix (a worm-like appendage of the cecum, the length of which can be from 5 to 15 cm, and the diameter is about 1 cm). The disease begins in an acute form and requires urgent surgical intervention. During an appendectomy, the appendix is ​​removed. In the absence of timely treatment, it can lead to the development of complications or become chronic.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, appendicitis may develop for various reasons, but inflammation is most often associated with blockage of the appendix lumen or infection. As a result, bacteria multiply inside the vermiform appendix, its walls swell, and the blood supply deteriorates.

Possible causes of appendicitis include:

• fecaliths — dense accumulations of intestinal contents that may block the appendix lumen;

• enlargement of lymphoid tissue in the wall of the vermiform appendix after an infection of the digestive system or another infectious disease;

• inflammatory bowel diseases that may spread to the tissues of the appendix;

• neoplasms that block the lumen of the vermiform appendix;

• less commonly — parasitic infestations or a foreign body entering the appendix lumen.

Blockage of the appendix lumen causes the inflammatory process to develop rapidly. Without timely treatment, the wall of the vermiform appendix may rupture, so if characteristic symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Acute appendicitis — is inflammation of the vermiform appendix that progresses rapidly and requires emergency medical care. Its main manifestation is pain in the right side. It most often initially occurs around the navel or in the upper abdomen and moves to the lower right part after several hours.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain: patients often ask, how to understand that appendicitis is causing the pain? Pain that gradually intensifies, moves to the lower right part of the abdomen, and becomes more noticeable when walking, coughing, or making sudden movements should be a cause for concern. However, the exact cause of the pain can only be determined after an examination and diagnostic testing.

The pain may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• nausea, sometimes vomiting;
• reduced or absent appetite;
• increased body temperature;
• abdominal bloating;
• constipation or diarrhea;
• tension of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.

The location and intensity of the pain may vary. If the appendix is positioned atypically, pain may be felt in the right upper abdomen, lower back, pelvic area, or above the pubic bone. In children, pregnant women, and older people, the symptoms are also often less typical.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» warn: a sudden decrease in severe pain does not always indicate improvement. Sometimes this may be a sign of destruction of the appendix wall and the spread of inflammation to the peritoneum. Therefore, in case of abdominal pain that intensifies or is accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, it is necessary to seek medical care urgently. You should not take painkillers independently, apply heat to the abdomen, or attempt to establish a diagnosis.

If appendicitis is suspected, the patient is urgently hospitalized. The initial diagnosis can be made based on the results of the examination and assessment of symptoms, but a number of tests and instrumental examinations are performed to confirm it:

• blood and urine tests;

• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;

• Computed tomography;

• Diagnostic laparoscopy

The symptoms of appendicitis are similar to the manifestations of other diseases, so it is important to exclude them at the diagnostic stage. This may require consultations with doctors of other specialties: gynecologist, urologist, proctologist, gastroenterologist.

The surgical hospital "Oxford Medical" has new equipment and a team of experienced specialists, which allows for a quick and high-quality examination and an accurate diagnosis.

After an appendectomy, the patient usually remains in the hospital for several days. On the day of surgery or the following day, if the condition allows, the patient may carefully get up and walk. After laparoscopic intervention, discharge and return to usual activities generally occur more quickly than after open surgery.

After discharge, it is recommended to:

• keep the postoperative wound clean and dry, avoid removing the dressing unless necessary, and change it according to the surgeon’s recommendations;

• take a shower no earlier than 24–48 hours after surgery: do not rub the puncture or incision area, and after washing, gently pat it dry with a clean towel;

• not take a bath or visit a swimming pool, sauna, or steam bath until the wound has healed completely;

• take the prescribed medications at the specified dosage and not discontinue the course independently;

• walk every day, starting with short walks and gradually increasing their duration;

• not lift objects weighing more than 3–5 kg during the first 2–4 weeks, and after open surgery — for up to 4–6 weeks;

• not perform abdominal exercises, run, or engage in strength training until permitted by the surgeon;

• attend a follow-up examination at the time scheduled by the doctor.

The timeframes may vary depending on the surgical method and the course of recovery, so upon discharge, the surgeon provides the patient with individual recommendations.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» note: in most cases, the appendix is removed laparoscopically because this method is less traumatic and provides faster recovery. Open access is used if, due to pronounced inflammation, adhesions, or damage to the surrounding tissues, the surgeon cannot clearly isolate and remove the appendix through small punctures.

Regardless of the selected method, appendectomy includes the following main stages:

• administration of general anesthesia;

• creation of laparoscopic or open surgical access;

• examination of the appendix and abdominal organs;

• isolation and removal of the vermiform appendix;

• cleaning of the abdominal cavity, if necessary;

• inspection of the surgical area and closure of the punctures or surgical incision.

At «Oxford Medical», appendectomy is performed in a 24-hour surgical inpatient department, which makes it possible to quickly carry out the necessary diagnostics and begin treatment at any time without delay. Operations are performed by surgeons of the highest qualification category with many years of experience in treating urgent conditions. The inpatient department is equipped with modern expert-class diagnostic and surgical equipment. After the intervention, the patient remains under round-the-clock medical supervision in comfortable single or double hotel-style rooms.

After an appendectomy, it is important to gradually return to the usual diet so as not to overload the digestive system. During the first day after surgery, the amount of food and drinks is determined by the doctor depending on the patient’s well-being and the recovery of bowel function. The diet is then expanded gradually.

Nutrition after appendicitis removal during the first few days usually includes easily digestible dishes:

• low-fat broths;

• liquid or well-cooked porridges;

• vegetable purees;

• boiled or baked lean meat and fish;

• steamed omelet;

• fermented dairy products if well tolerated.

During the first 1–2 weeks, it is recommended to avoid fatty, fried, spicy, and smoked foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, as well as foods that may cause intestinal bloating, including legumes, large amounts of fresh cabbage, and rich pastries. It is better to eat small portions 5–6 times a day and maintain an adequate drinking regimen.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain: if no complications occur after surgery, most patients gradually return to their usual diet in approximately 2–3 weeks. If pronounced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or prolonged bowel movement disturbances occur after eating, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

«Oxford Medical» has a 24-hour surgical hospital and an ambulance service. Patients who require urgent hospitalization can contact the clinic at any time.

• the complexity of the pathology and the presence of complications;
• the method of surgical intervention - laparoscopic or open access.

You can find out the prices of operations at «Oxford Medical» here.

The information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons

World Society of Emergency Surgery

US National Library of Medicine