The appendix is a sac-like structure, measuring from 3 to 6 inches located in the lower right area of the Abdomen.
The appendix is attached to the intestine. Appendicitis occurs when it becomes infected or inflamed.
Appendicitis can cause severe abdominal pain, the pain can usually be treated by laparoscopic appendectomy to get rid of its symptoms.
The appendix contains the lymphoid tissue that helps the body resist the infection, but when removed, other organs take over its function to resist infections.
Appendicitis may need other treatment options before surgery if the appendix ruptures inside the abdominal cavity before its removal.
Treatment includes antibiotics and an abdominal drain (which is a tube inserted inside the abdominal cavity to drain the pus from all over the ruptured appendix).
Why Appendectomy is done by a laparoscope?
The appendix extends from the large intestine or colon. It may contain food, stool, or swallowed material due to its site.
This may cause irritation, inflammation, and rapid growth of the bacteria and infection which is called appendicitis. Appendectomy is the immediate first line treatment of appendicitis, which is usually inevitable.
The inflamed or infected appendix may rupture if it isn’t removed immediately after its inflammation, which may lead to complications as the presence of pus, sacs, and abscesses around the appendix.
If the appendix ruptures, the infection may spread all over the abdomen, causing a life-threatening condition known as peritonitis.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is usually needed as an emergency condition without significant preparation.
How is the laparoscopic appendectomy done?
Appendectomy can be done with open or laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is a procedure performed with the help of abdominal endoscope, which is a surgical instrument with a camera video attached to its end, and other specific surgical instruments. The laparoscope is inserted into the stomach through small abdominal incisions to perform a complete colon examination.
The laparoscopic surgery has got many advantages, as the patient stays just a few hours after surgery and can leave the hospital on the same day or the next day. It leads to fewer complications, more rapid recovery, and it lasts from one to two hours during the surgery.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is done in the following steps:
- The operation is done under general anesthesia, so you will not be conscious during the operation or under regional anesthesia which is called (epidural anesthesia).
- Laparoscopic appendectomy is done through 3-4 incisions ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm, instead of the classic surgical cut ranging from 5-7 cm, without interrupting the anterior abdominal wall structures.
- The endoscope and other surgical instruments are inserted through the abdominal wall incisions.
- The abdominal organs and region are displayed on the screen with the help of the video camera.
- Doctors can perform a laparoscopic appendectomy depending on the images displayed on the screen, and other specific instruments.
- After that, the operation is finished by suturing the small abdominal wall incisions.
Recovery after laparoscopic appendectomy.
You will stay for a while in the surgical room after surgery until you wake up and breathe effectively with stable vital signs.
You may have a sore throat if a tube is inserted in your trachea during the surgery. This is usually a temporary condition, but you should tell your doctor and health care providers about any symptoms or uncomfortable feelings.
After laparoscopic appendectomy, you can go home on the same day of surgery, but you will only need to stay in the hospital for a few days if the appendix ruptures before its removal.
Your doctor and medical team will follow up your recovery and help you return to eat and drink again. You will start getting pure fluids for about one day, then solid foods in the following days.
The surgical recovery is a gradual process, and it varies according to the following points:
- The procedure itself.
- Your general health.
- The age.
- Other factors.
Complete recovery may take around one month.