What is Appendectomy?
Appendectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the inflamed appendix, known as appendicitis. The appendix is a small finger-shaped pouch, located at the junction of the large intestine with the small intestine. When the appendix becomes inflamed and infected, appendicitis occurs and surgery becomes necessary to avoid serious complications.
How does it occur?
Appendicitis usually occurs when the appendix becomes obstructed, preventing the normal flow of fluids and causing a buildup of bacteria. The obstruction can be caused by hardened feces, inflamed lymphoid tissues, or tumors. As the inflammation increases, the appendix can become swollen and painful, leading to serious complications, such as rupture.
What is the procedure of appendectomy?
Appendectomy can be performed in two main ways: open surgery or laparoscopy. In open surgery, an incision is made in the abdomen to access the inflamed appendix and remove it. In laparoscopy, small incisions are made and an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted to visualize and remove the appendix.
During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the inflamed appendix, perform a cleaning of the affected area and, if necessary, drain any present abscess. After the removal of the appendix, the incision is closed and stitches or staples are applied.
What is the recovery after appendectomy?
The recovery time after appendectomy varies from person to person, but in most cases, patients can return to their normal activities within one to three weeks. During the recovery period, it is important to follow medical guidelines, such as taking prescribed medications, avoiding intense physical efforts, and maintaining a proper diet.
Possible complications of appendectomy include incision infection, bleeding, injury to adjacent organs, or hernia formation. It is crucial to follow post-surgical medical guidelines and report any unusual or worrying symptoms.
Conclusion
Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure performed to treat appendicitis. The removal of the inflamed appendix is essential to avoid serious complications, such as rupture and the spread of infection. The surgery can be performed open or laparoscopically, with the aim of restoring the patient’s health and well-being. It is important to follow medical guidelines during recovery to ensure good healing and avoid additional complications.