Appendicitis Surgery: What You Should Know
When the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, the most common and effective treatment is surgery. This procedure, called an appendectomy, removes the appendix before it can burst or cause serious complications. It’s a quick but important operation that prevents life-threatening infection inside the abdomen. Many people recover fully within a few weeks and go back to their normal routines without any long-term effects.
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis happens when the appendix — a small pouch attached to the large intestine — gets blocked or infected. The blockage can come from hardened stool, swollen lymph tissue, or even a small foreign object. Once that happens, bacteria multiply, causing swelling, pain, and sometimes pus. If left untreated, the pressure inside the appendix builds up until it bursts. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal bloating
- Pain that gets worse when walking, coughing, or making sudden movements
If these symptoms appear, it’s best to get medical help right away. A burst appendix can lead to peritonitis, a dangerous infection inside the abdomen. Many people try to wait it out, thinking it’s just stomach pain, but prompt care can make a huge difference. The sooner surgery is done, the easier the recovery tends to be.
Types of Appendectomy
There are two main ways to remove the appendix. Both are safe and effective, and the choice depends on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s decision. Understanding the difference can help you know what to expect before the procedure.
1. Laparoscopic Appendectomy
This is the most common method today. The surgeon makes a few small cuts in the abdomen and uses thin instruments with a camera to remove the appendix. Recovery is usually quicker, with smaller scars and less pain. Most people are able to go home the next day and resume gentle activity within a few days. It’s often preferred for uncomplicated appendicitis because of the faster healing time.
2. Open Appendectomy
Here, the surgeon makes a single larger cut in the lower right abdomen to remove the appendix directly. This approach is often used when the appendix has already ruptured or when there’s an abscess or widespread infection. It allows the surgeon to clean the infected area thoroughly. While recovery takes a bit longer, this method is sometimes the safest choice when the infection is severe.
The Procedure
Once appendicitis is diagnosed, the doctor decides whether surgery should be done immediately or if antibiotics are needed first to control infection. In most cases, surgery is performed as soon as possible to prevent the appendix from bursting. Before the operation, you’ll have blood tests, imaging (like an ultrasound or CT scan), and usually antibiotics through an IV to reduce the risk of infection.
You’ll be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before surgery. When it’s time, you’ll be taken to the operating room, where the anesthesiologist gives you medication to help you sleep during the operation. The surgical team then cleans your abdomen and prepares the instruments.
Depending on your condition, the surgeon performs either a laparoscopic or an open appendectomy. In both cases, the appendix is carefully removed, and the area is checked for any signs of infection. If pus or fluid is present, it’s cleaned out before the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical glue. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour.
The Surgery Itself
Appendicitis surgery is typically an emergency procedure. It’s done under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep the entire time. The operation usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. During this time, the surgical team carefully monitors your breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs. You won’t feel any pain, and most people wake up in recovery feeling groggy but relieved.
After the appendix is removed, the area is cleaned, and the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical glue. If there was an infection, the surgeon might place a small drain to remove fluid before closing the wound. This helps prevent further infection as your body heals. Once you’re awake, nurses will check your temperature, pain level, and incision to make sure everything looks good.
Recovery After Surgery
Most people can go home within a day or two after a laparoscopic appendectomy. Open surgery might require a longer stay. At home, recovery usually takes a couple of weeks. You might feel some tiredness or mild soreness around the incision, which is normal. Taking it slow helps your body heal faster.
During this time:
- Rest as much as possible
- Keep the incision clean and dry
- Avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks
- Eat light meals until your digestion returns to normal
- Take prescribed pain medicine and antibiotics as directed
Call your doctor if you notice fever, worsening pain, redness or swelling around the incision, or any discharge — these could be signs of infection. Some people also experience mild constipation after surgery, so staying hydrated and eating soft foods can help. Within a few weeks, most people are back to their usual routines without any lasting problems.
FAQs
1. Can you live normally without an appendix?
Yes. The appendix doesn’t have a vital role in adults, so removing it doesn’t affect digestion or overall health. Once it’s gone, your body adjusts naturally, and you’ll be able to eat and live just like before.
2. How long does recovery usually take?
Most people recover within two to three weeks after laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery might take four to six weeks. Gentle walking and light activity can help speed up healing, but heavy work or sports should wait until your doctor says it’s safe.
3. Will I have a scar?
Laparoscopic surgery leaves a few small scars that fade over time. Open surgery leaves a single larger scar on the lower right side of the abdomen. With proper care and time, even these scars usually become faint and less noticeable.
4. What happens if the appendix bursts before surgery?
If the appendix bursts, the infection can spread inside the abdomen. In that case, the surgeon cleans out the infection and may leave a drain to help healing. Recovery will take longer, but most people still recover completely after careful treatment and antibiotics.
5. Can appendicitis come back after surgery?
No. Once the appendix is removed, appendicitis won’t happen again. However, you can still have abdominal pain from other causes, so it’s important to get checked if symptoms return. Staying aware of your body’s signals helps catch any new problems early.
