Appendectomy is an emergency operation to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ and is located on the lower right side of the belly. The inflammation in this organ is referred to as Appendicitis.
If it is inflamed, then it needs to be removed because it could burst and cause peritonitis in the abdomen. In ‘Laparoscopic Appendectomy,’ the appendix is removed through many small incisions (but not through the rather large incisions), which would generally need short recovery time.
What are the Advantages of Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
- It Shortens the hospital stay of the patient.
- Returning to regular activity is quicker and more comfortable.
- Risks are lesser.
- Post operational pain is very less.
- But the ending results may tend to vary, depending upon the patient’s overall health condition and type of procedure.
What are the Expected Outcomes from this surgery?
The patient should be able to walk the day after the surgery. Doing so will also help in reducing the risk of blood clotting in the legs. The patient should get back to most of the regular/normal activities within two weeks. It would be better to contact your surgeon and schedule your appointment after two weeks from surgery.
What are the reasons to perform this surgery?
The surgery is performed to remove the swollen and inflamed appendix due to the infection. You may feel the pain in your stomach all of sudden which would eventually spreads to the lower region of your abdomen.
How to prepare yourself for the surgery?
It would be better to avoid any drink or food for about eight hours before the surgery. Consult with the doctor about the medication you have been using before the surgery. Always let your surgeon know if you are pregnant or had experienced any internal bleeding. Let your doctor if you have any allergic reactions towards any anesthesia or any post-operational medications given by the doctor.
What is the Procedure of Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
- The procedure, like every surgery, starts with dispensing local anesthesia.
- Multiple incisions are made around the appendicitis area.
- The Laparoscope and other essential instruments are inserted through these small incisions.
- The Laparoscope will be attached with a camera, which allows the surgeon to see the appendix on the monitor.
- Then the appendix is removed carefully using specialized tools. At the end of the surgery, all the incisions are closed correctly.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is surgery with very fewer complications and a faster recovery.