Appendectomy

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch of intestinal tissue which is arising from the cecum near its junction with the small intestine. When the appendix becomes infected it must be surgically removed before it ruptures and will spread the infection throughout the abdominal space. A person with acute appendicitis manifest pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Often accompanied by fever and reduced appetite to eat with nausea and vomiting. The patient must be check for abdominal tenderness and tightness as well as the rectum for tenderness and enlarged appendix. In women, a pelvic exam should be done to exclude pain caused by the ovaries or uterus. Additionally, blood tests and x-rays may also be performed.

Depending  upon the circumstances of the individual patient, an appendectomy can be performed in two ways, either through an open incision or with the use of laparoscope. The open technique, an incision is made in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen through the skin, muscle wall and peritoneum. The appendix must be carefully located and freed from the surrounding structures and removed. While, the laparoscopic technique, several small incisions are made in the abdomen. In the incision a lapraoscope is inserted, it has a tiny lens attached to a TV camera. Appendectomy is being performed by the surgeon while looking at the TV monitor while small instruments are inserted in the other incisions and used to remove the appendix.

In an instance that a pocket of infection has formed or the appendix has ruptured, the abdomen should be thoroughly washed out during surgery.  A penrose is put in place to allow the infection to drain. After the procedure is completely done, the patient will be place in the recovery room to be monitored. Most of patients can go home the day after the operation unless manifest any untoward sighs and symptoms. The patient can also resume a normal diet and activities with one to two weeks. If the appendix develops an abcess or has ruptured, the recovery may be slower and more complicated, requiring use of medications such ad antibiotics to treat the infection. Living without an appendix causes no known health problems.