| An appendectomy is surgical removal of the vermiform appendix, a small, finger-shaped projection in the lower right abdomen at the juncture of the large and small intestines. The appendix, protruding from the large intestine (cecum), generally is considered an unessential organ removable without significant loss of body function. The appendix produces a small amount of mucus that normally flows into the large intestine. It also contains lymphatic tissue that is part of the immune system. The purpose of the appendix is unclear.
Symptoms such as severe pain accompanying an inflamed or infected appendix (appendicitis) tend to occur rapidly (acute). For this reason, an appendectomy usually is an emergency procedure. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Appendectomy is performed as treatment for inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis). Due to the nature of the signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis, the diagnosis is never certain until the appendix is inspected during open or laparoscopic surgery. In a substantial number of cases of suspected appendicitis, the appendix is removed even though it is free of disease at the time of the operation. A healthy appendix may also be removed in the course of other abdominal surgery so that it does not become inflamed later, thus possibly sparing the individual additional emergency surgery later. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Appendectomy is done by a general surgeon as an inpatient surgery under general anesthesia. Before surgery, blood and urine tests, x-rays, ultrasound, and/or sectional imaging (computed tomography or CT) of the abdomen may be needed.
During a conventional appendectomy, a small incision (McBurney incision) is made in the abdominal wall. The incision is placed in the lower right side of the abdomen, in the area over the appendix, and the muscles over it are split or cut. The surgeon then locates the appendix and inspects it. If there are no complications involving the surrounding tissues, the surgeon cuts the appendix away from the abdomen and/or large intestine. If a pocket of infection (abscess) has formed, it will be cleansed and suctioned away by a special instrument (suction irrigator). A tube also may be left inside the abdomen to promote drainage from infection. The incisions are then closed, and the procedure is complete.
In about half of cases, surgeons may choose the newer technique for removing the appendix, laparoscopic appendectomy, using a tiny video camera (laparoscope) that is inserted into the abdomen through a very small incision. During the laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon uses the video camera to view the abdominal cavity and its contents. Because abdominal regions can be seen easily, this technique is especially useful when the diagnosis of appendicitis is unclear. Specialized surgical tools that can also be inserted through tiny incisions are used to remove the appendix in the same manner as for the conventional open surgical procedure. The benefits of laparoscopic surgery include less postoperative discomfort and quicker recovery time. In the case of a ruptured or perforated appendix, the open incision method may be preferred because it is associated with fewer incidences of postoperative abdominal abscesses. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Following an uncomplicated appendectomy, most individuals are discharged from the hospital within 1 to 3 days after the surgery. Activity will be limited for 1 to 3 weeks, but full recovery should be expected shortly thereafter. An individual with a ruptured appendix may be hospitalized for up to 2 weeks following surgery. Individuals with complications can also expect full recovery, although the recovery period may be prolonged. Deaths following an uncomplicated appendectomy are rare. Elderly individuals with a ruptured appendix have a death rate of more than 10% (Craig). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Potential complications of appendectomy include infection of the surgical incision, abscess, bleeding, and blockage of the intestines (bowel obstruction). Instruments used to cut the appendix away from the intestine could perforate the intestine or the tube (ureter) carrying urine from kidney to the bladder. If the individual being treated is pregnant, an appendectomy may lead to premature delivery.
Individuals with a ruptured appendix (perforated appendicitis) prior to surgery could develop infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), which may be life- threatening. Perforated appendicitis may lead to postoperative development of abdominal abscesses, which are more prevalent if laparoscopic surgery is used. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Extended sick leave may be required while the individual recovers. Driving should be avoided after surgery, as should any vigorous exercise and heavy lifting (no greater than 25 pounds for six weeks). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Craig, Sandy. "Appendicitis, Acute." eMedicine. Eds. William Lober, et al. 9 Jun. 2004. Medscape. 2 Jan. 2005 <http://emedicine.com/ emerg/topic41.htm>. "Inpatient Surgery." National Center for Biotechnology Information. 16 Dec. 2004. National Library of Medicine. 2 Jan. 2005 <http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/insurg.htm>. Santacroce, Luigi, Juan B. Ochoa, and Tommaso Losacco. "Appendicitis." eMedicine. Eds. Oscar Joe Hines, et al. 9 Jun. 2004. Medscape. 2 Jan. 2005 <http://emedicine.com/med/topic3430.htm>. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor