Appendectomy: Surgical Removal of the Appendix

Overview

• Condition Treated: Appendicitis
  • Symptoms: Right lower abdominal pain, fever, elevated white blood cell count
  • Cause: Blockage between appendix and intestine leading to infection, swelling, and distension
  • Risks: Potential perforation or rupture if untreated

Treatment

• Procedure: Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)
  • Purpose: Only treatment for appendicitis
  • Nature: Almost always performed on an emergency basis

Surgical Techniques

• Laparoscopic Approach
  • Involves small keyhole incisions
  • Results in shorter recovery period

Pre-Surgery Preparation

• Intravenous Line: Started before surgery
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia used
  • Induces sleep for duration of operation
  • Breathing tube inserted through mouth to aid breathing
• Catheter: May be placed in bladder to drain urine

Procedure Steps

1. Duration: 20-30 minutes for an uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy
2. Access
   • Trocars used to create three small holes or ports: at the navel, upper right, and lower left quadrants of the abdomen
   • Carbon dioxide gas pumped through umbilical port to expand abdomen
3. Examination and Removal
   • Laparoscope inserted through umbilical port
   • Surgeon examines appendix and confirms need for removal
   • Surgical instruments used to grasp and remove appendix via specimen bag
4. Cleansing
   • Warm sterile salt water used to cleanse the abdominal cavity
   • Salt water suctioned out
5. Final Check
   • Surgeon examines for bleeding or damage before removing laparoscope
6. Closing
   • Keyhole incisions closed with sutures or staples, covered with bandages

Post-Surgery

• Post-Operative Care
  • Breathing tube and catheter removed
  • Patient taken to recovery area
  • Pain medication provided as needed
• Recovery
  • Intravenous line removed when patient can drink liquids
  • Most patients discharged within 24 hours