Appendectomy

Overview, purpose, steps, and risks.

An appendectomy is a common emergency surgery that is used to treat an infected or inflamed appendix, called appendicitis. The appendix is a minor part of the large intestine, it is located on the lower right part of the belly. One of the very common symptoms of appendicitis is extreme stomach pain, leaning mostly to the area above where the appendix sits.

While appendectomy surgery is sometimes caught early on, other times it is caught later, possibly when the appendix ruptures. When it ruptures, it is considered a medical emergency. There are 2 methods to remove the appendix, one less invasive than the other.

An open appendectomy is when a cut or incision is made along the skin, about 2-4 inches in length above the appendix, and the appendix is taken out through the made incision.

A laparoscopic appendectomy is less invasive, its done without a major incision. It is done with 1-3 small incisions, and a long thin tube called a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope carries a tiny video camera and surgical tools. Through the tools and camera, the surgeon is able to operate. The appendix is discarded through one of the small incisions.

Surgeons, while preforming a laparoscopic appendectomy, may decide to begin an open appendectomy if the situation is dire. While if the appendix has already ruptured, an open appendectomy is required. when it ruptures, an abscess (an area of infection) may occur around it. The doctor may use antibiotics in order to drain the abscess prior to the appendectomy.

Laparoscopic surgeries are more likely to cause less scarring and pain due to the smaller incision. However, for both surgeries, once the scar is completely healed, it is quite hard to see.

Risks of an appendectomy include:

• Bleeding

• Wound infection

• Injury to nearby organs.

Steps to an open appendectomy:

1. A single incision is made on the lower right belly area, about 2-4 inches in length.

2. The abdominal cavity is opened and the appendix is located

3. The appendix is carefully cut from the surrounding tissues, tied off using sutures, then removed.

4. The incision is then closed with stitches or staples.