Appendectomy

The appendix is a narrow, small, finger-shaped portion of the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. If it becomes infected, this is appendicitis, and typically an appendectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix, is called for to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of abdomen.

Although the appendix does not seem to serve any purpose, it can become diseased and, if untreated, can burst, causing infection and even death.

At UMMC our GI surgeons perform both open and laparoscopic appendectomies.

Appendicitis: Cause and Symptoms 

The cause of appendicitis is usually unknown. Appendicitis may occur after a viral infection in the digestive tract or when the tube connecting the large intestine and appendix is blocked by stool. The inflammation can cause an infection, blood clot or rupture of the appendix.

• Abdominal pain – may begin in the upper-middle abdomen then develop to sharp localized pain and it may worsen when walking or coughing
• Fever – usually occurring within several hours
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Rectal tenderness
• Chills and shaking

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately! Because of the risk of rupture, which may happen as soon as 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin, appendicitis is considered an emergency.

Appendicitis Treatment

The best treatment of appendicitis is its surgical removal, or appendectomy. Mild appendicitis may sometimes be cured with antibiotics. Doctors either use an "open" technique or a minimally invasive approach to remove the appendix.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

The laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgical technique involves making several tiny cuts (as many as three or four incisions) in the abdomen and inserting a miniature camera and surgical instruments.

The camera projects a magnified image of the area onto a television monitor which helps guide the surgeons as they remove the appendix.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Most cases of acute appendicitis can be treated laparoscopically. The main advantages are:

• Less postoperative pain
• Faster recovery and return to normal activity
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less postoperative complications
• Minimally sized incisions/scars

In most cases, patients can be discharged within 24 to 36 hours. By contrast, the hospital stay is typically two to five days for an open procedure.

Who Can Have a Laparoscopic Appendectomy?

Patients with cardiac diseases and COPD would not be good candidates for laparoscopic appendectomy. In addition, laparoscopic appendectomy is not recommended for those with many pre-existing disease conditions.

Laparoscopic appendectomy may also be more difficult in patients who have had previous lower abdominal surgery and for obese patients. We evaluate every patient to determine the appropriate type of surgery to perform.