Appendectomy
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Recovery from an appendectomy usually doesn't take long compared to other abdominal surgeries, says Rick Kline, MD, MD, Trauma Medical Director at Regional Medical Center of San Jose. Learn more about the recovery time in this video.
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Dr. Corey W. Iqbal, MD , Pediatric Surgery, answered on behalf of Overland Park Regional Medical CenterChildren recover remarkably well after an appendectomy if the appendix has not burst. Most children are ready to go home on the same day as surgery with only a 2 percent chance of developing an infection. However, if the appendix has burst, the post-operative course is much different due to several factors. First, when infection spills in the abdomen, the intestines get irritated and temporarily stop working. Therefore, children with a burst appendix are not immediately able to eat or drink until the infection clears. In order for the infection to clear children usually require intravenous antibiotics. This takes on average three to five days at which time they can be switched to antibiotic pills or liquid and go home. However, in 20 percent of cases of burst appendix, the infection persists which can require additional procedures and an extended course of intravenous antibiotics. -
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Dr. Gregory L. Schroder, MD , Surgery, answered on behalf of Parham Doctors' Hospital - HCA VirginiaSee All 2 AnswersThe majority of appendectomies are performed laparoscopically with small incisions and a camera, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery time. The procedure normally takes between 30 minutes to one hour, although in infrequent cases, it can take longer and require conversion to an open procedure. As a result of these advanced techniques, some patients can go home the same day, and others go home the next day.
If the appendix has ruptured, a warm water solution mixed with antibiotics will be used to wash out the inside of the abdomen. A catheter will then be placed to drain any fluid that builds up. Sometimes, with a rupture, the surgeon will only close the muscle layers and leave the skin open. The open skin wound will then be packed with a moist gauze dressing.
This content originally appeared on the HCA Virginia Physicians blog. -
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Dr. Gregory L. Schroder, MD , Surgery, answered on behalf of Parham Doctors' Hospital - HCA VirginiaRight after the procedure, the patient will be in a recovery room where blood pressure, pulse and breathing will be monitored. During this time, the removed tissue will be examined by a pathologist. Recovery may also include pain medications, antibiotics to prevent infection, medication to prevent blood clots and resuming movement within 24 hours of surgery. If the appendix ruptured, drainage tubes will be removed after a few days.
Recovery time for the procedure is generally 10-14 days, and in some cases sooner. Patients will be advised to slowly increase activities as approved by their provider, and to avoid exercise or heavy lifting immediately after surgery. Following the provider’s instruction is of paramount importance to healing quickly and effectively.
This content originally appeared on the HCA Virginia Physicians blog. -
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Acute appendicitis is the primary reason for an appendectomy. In this video, Brandon Harrell, MD of Northeast Methodist Hospital explains more about this and the causes of appendicitis.
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredThe only effective treatment for appendicitis is an operation to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy. Antibiotics are usually started before the operation so they can stop the infection from spreading. They will be given through an IV (a tiny tube inserted in a vein). The antibiotics only help the operation; they can't treat the appendicitis itself.
The appendectomy is done in the operating room with general anesthesia. This means your child will be completely asleep and unaware of any pain during the procedure. In most cases, the appendix will be removed through a small surgical opening in the lower right part of the belly.
After the operation, your child will be watched carefully in the recovery room for about one hour. When she is stable and awake enough, she will be moved to a hospital room. -
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredAfter your child's appendectomy, nurses will make every effort to keep your child comfortable, clean, and free of pain. Your child's vital signs (temperature, pulse, and blood pressure) will be taken often.
Your child will be encouraged to cough and breathe deeply to lessen the chance of lung complications. Nurses will encourage your child to be active, including walking the first day after the operation. Activity helps the intestine work correctly after the operation.
For most children, pain medicine will be given through the IV (a tiny tube inserted into a vein) that was started while your child was in surgery. Fluids and antibiotics will also be given through the IV tube.
An NG, or nasogastric tube, may be needed. This tube passes through the nose and down into the stomach. It is usually inserted in the operating room and is used to prevent vomiting, gas, and abdominal bloating. The NG tube will remain in place until your child passes gas through the rectum or has a normal bowel movement. This could be from one to five days.
Tiny rubber drains (they look like thin strips of rubber bands) may be left extending from the outer layers of the surgical opening. These drains keep infected material from building up under the skin. They also help antibiotics work better. The drains are removed the fourth day after the operation or before leaving the hospital. Children say that these don't hurt at all when they are taken out. Deep drains are seldom necessary in children with appendicitis. However, a burst appendix may cause a localized infection. A deep drain may be needed to remove any part of the infection not removed during the operation.
If the appendix did not burst and if an NG tube is not necessary, clear liquids by mouth are usually started the first day after the operation. A normal diet can then be eaten if the liquids do not cause nausea, vomiting, or bloating of the belly. Children whose appendix burst cannot eat or drink by mouth until the NG tube has been removed. Their diet is then moved from liquids to a normal diet as soon as the child can tolerate food.
After the operation, a sterile bandage will cover the opening. If the rubber drains have not been used, the outer bandage will be removed the next day, leaving only strips of paper tape called Steri-strips. These tapes support the incision and are the only bandage most children have when they leave the hospital. -
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredMost children stay in the hospital one to three days after an appendectomy if the appendix did not burst and if there were no complications. If their appendix did burst, most children stay four to seven days. Children usually regain normal bowel movements after three to five days with a nasogastric (NG) tube. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are required for at least four to seven days. Any complication, such as pelvic infection, pneumonia, or an intestinal blockage, will delay discharge.
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredAfter an appendectomy, your child will probably not be in any pain when she leaves the hospital. Just in case she needs it, however, your child will be sent home with pain medication.
The incision will be easy to take care of if there has been no infection. Leave the Steri-strips in place for at least two weeks. If your child has complications, make sure you have been taught how to care for her before leaving the hospital.
Do not give your child a bath for at least five days after the operation. Instead, let her take showers or sponge baths. The Steri-strips should be carefully patted dry to keep them from coming off.
You can feed your child all the foods that normally make up a healthy diet.