Why is this procedure done?
This procedure treats a swollen or infected appendix by removing the appendix. The doctor may do an open surgery if your appendix has burst or if you have a bad infection in your belly. ‚
The appendix is a small, finger-like pouch. It is attached to the large bowel in the lower right side of your belly. Appendicitis is the swelling of the appendix. Infection or stool in the appendix may cause this. Both of these may lead to swelling and a collection of pus. The appendix can burst if not treated and pus may spread to the nearby organs. ‚
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What will the results be?
- Appendix will be removed.
- Infection will be removed from around appendix.
- Belly pain will be relieved.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor may order blood tests or a CT scan of your belly to see if your appendix is infected.
- You may be given drugs to treat infection before the procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors will put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They will also put another small tube in your nose. This one goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery.
- Your doctor will use a special solution to clean your skin on your belly and kill germs. This will prevent infection along the cut site.
- Your doctor will make a 2- to 4-inch cut in the lower right part of your belly. The doctor cuts the appendix away from your bowel. The doctor takes it out and uses stitches or staples to close your cut. Clean bandages will cover the cut site.
- If the appendix has burst or there is a bad infection in your belly, your doctor may put a drain tube in your belly until the infection gets better.
- The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake and strong enough to breathe on your own.
- This procedure may take about an hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room after surgery. The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake and strong enough to breathe on your own. You may have a sore throat afterwards. Your doctor will give you drugs for any pain you may have.
- Later that day or the next, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you start to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- The tube in your nose may stay in for a few days. This will keep your belly empty and give your stomach and bowels time to heal. The doctor will take the tube out when your belly is working well and you hear gurgling sounds.
- You may be given a clear liquid diet after surgery until you are cleared to eat regular food.
- You may stay at the hospital for 1 to 3 days if you have no problems.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Leak in the bowel
- Injury to nearby organs
- Pneumonia
- Blood clot
- Heart or kidney problems
- Collection of pus, if appendix burst before surgery
Where can I learn more?
American College of Surgeons ‚
http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/brochures/app.pdf ‚
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/appendicitis/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚