Table Of Contents
- What is Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
- How is Laparoscopic Appendectomy performed?
- Advantages of Laparoscopic Appendectomy
- Is Laparoscopic Appendectomy the right choice for you?
- What to expect after Laparoscopic Appendectomy surgery?
What is Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
Surgical removal of the appendix is called an appendectomy. To cure appendicitis, it is necessary to remove the appendix. Leaving it untreated can rupture appendicitis that, can lead to serious complications and even death.
How is Laparoscopic Appendectomy performed?
Laparoscopic Appendectomy is done by making a large cut or small incision below the belly button. The doctor will remove the appendix by making small incisions.
The doctor will give you general anesthesia before conducting a Laparoscopic Appendectomy. Once you are given anesthesia, you will fall asleep. Next, he will make a small incision near the belly button area and insert a small device known as a port to fill your abdomen with gas. This is to create an opening and space to conduct the surgery.
Next, a small tube with a tiny camera is inserted that shows the surgery in the monitor of the operating room. This will help the surgeon to see the internal organs. Once the surgeon can see everything clearly, more ports will be inserted for the appendectomy procedure.
Lastly, they gently cut your appendix and remove it through the incision. Most surgeries will need at least three incisions, but it varies from 1 to 4 based on specific situations.
The surgical team will place a small plastic tube called “drain” to let the fluids drain out from the surgical area so that you can heal completely without any complications. The drain will be detached later.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Appendectomy
The advantages of Laparoscopic Appendectomy vary as per the surgery type and your overall health. However, here are some benefits of Laparoscopic Appendectomy.
- Minimal pain post-surgery
- Shorter time spent in the hospital
- Getting back to routine life quickly
- Able to have normal bowel movements
- A tiny scar
Is Laparoscopic Appendectomy the right choice for you?
Consult your medical practitioner if a Laparoscopic Appendectomy is best suited for you. Based on certain situations, you might need surgery with one large incision.
What if I cannot have my appendix removed using a Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
Based on your appendicitis situation, your doctor may advise for open surgery. In Open surgery, you will have one large incision. Few reasons to have open surgery include:
- If you have a large, inflamed appendix or an abscess (i.e., a large region with bacteria buildup).
- If you are suffering from extreme obesity
- If you have scar tissue in the abdomen from previous surgery
- If the doctor is unable to see your organs
- If your appendix has burst
What to expect after Laparoscopic Appendectomy surgery?
You can go home after a few hours after the surgery, or they may ask you to stay in the hospital overnight. You will be asked to be on a liquid diet for some days. If your appendix has burst, you will be asked to stay in the hospital for a few days.
You will feel some pain after Laparoscopic Appendectomy, for which your doctor will give you medications. You might also feel nauseous due to surgery and anesthesia. You will recover within a couple of days. Consult your doctor if you vomit or get nauseous after 2-3 days.
Based on the doctor’s advice, you can resume your daily activities after a week of Laparoscopic Appendectomy.
