Appendectomy
Appendix removal; Surgery - appendectomy; Appendicitis - appendectomy
An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix.
Description
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ that branches off from the first part of the large intestine. When it becomes swollen (inflamed) or infected, the condition is called appendicitis . When you have appendicitis, your appendix may need to be removed. An appendix that has a hole in it can leak and infect the entire abdomen area. This can be lifethreatening.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine.
Appendectomy is done using either:
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Spinal anesthesia
. Medicine is put into your back to make you numb below your waist. You will also get medicine to make you sleepy.
Spinal anesthesia
Spinal and epidural anesthesia are medicines that numb parts of your body to block pain. They are given through shots in or around the spine....
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General anesthesia
. You will be asleep and not feel any pain during the surgery.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia is treatment with certain medicines that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain during surgery. After you receive the...
The surgeon makes a small cut in the lower right side of your belly area and removes the appendix.
The appendix can also be removed using small surgical cuts and a camera. This is called a laparoscopic appendectomy.
If the appendix broke open or a pocket of infection ( abscess ) formed, your abdomen will be washed out during surgery. A small tube may be left in the belly area to help drain out fluids or pus.
Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.
Why the Procedure is Performed
An appendectomy is done for appendicitis. The condition can be hard to diagnose, especially in children, older people, and women of childbearing age.
Most often, the first symptom is pain around your belly button:
- The pain may be mild at first, but it becomes sharp and severe.
- The pain often moves into your right lower abdomen and becomes more focused in this area.
Other symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
-
Fever
(usually not very high)
Fever
Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reduced appetite
If you have symptoms of appendicitis, seek medical help right away. DO NOT use heating pads, enemas, laxatives, or other home treatments to try to relieve symptoms.
Your health care provider will examine your abdomen and rectum. Other tests may be done:
-
Blood tests, including a
white blood cell count
(WBC), may be done to check for infection.
White blood cell count
A WBC count is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocy...
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When the diagnosis is not clear, the doctor may order a
CT scan
or
ultrasound
to make sure the appendix is the cause of the problem.
CT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body.
There are no actual tests to confirm that you have appendicitis. Other illnesses can cause the same or similar symptoms.
The goal is to remove an infected appendix before it breaks open (ruptures). After reviewing your symptoms and the results of the physical exam and medical tests, your surgeon will decide whether you need surgery.
Risks
Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general include:
- Reactions to medicines
- Problems breathing
- Bleeding, blood clots, or infection
Risks of an appendectomy after a ruptured appendix include:
- Buildup of pus, which may need draining and antibiotics
- Longer hospital stays
After the Procedure
Most people leave the hospital in 1 to 2 days after surgery. You can go back to your normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks after leaving the hospital.
If you had laparscopic surgery, you will likely recover quickly. Recovery is slower and more complicated if your appendix has broken open or an abscess has formed.
Living without an appendix causes no known health problems.
References
Maa J, Kirkwood KS. The appendix. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice . 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 51.
Sarosi GA. Appendicitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 120.
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Appendectomy
Animation
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Anatomical landmarks, front view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks, front view
illustration
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Appendectomy - Series
Presentation
-
Anatomical landmarks, front view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks, front view
illustration
-
Appendectomy - Series
Presentation
Review Date: 2/27/2016
Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, general surgery practice specializing in breast cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.