Appendix Surgery – Dr. Naresh Babu G S

What is Appendicitis?

The appendix is a small organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the belly. Its exact purpose is unclear, and a person can live without it.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis usually happens because of a blockage in appendix, which causes blood flow problems, inflammation, infection, and pressure. Without treatment, the appendix can burst and can even result in death.

Appendicitis can occur at any age, but it usually affects people in their teens and 20s. It's a medical emergency that almost always requires surgery as soon as possible to remove the appendix.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

Below are the main symptoms of Appendicitis...

Pain in your lower right abdomen or pain below your navel.
Nausea & Vomiting
Mild to High Fever
Abdominal swelling
Loss of Appetite
Constipation & unable to pass gas

Diagnosis of Appendicitis

As the symptoms of appendicitis are similar to that of other abdomen diseases like gallstones, kidney stones, Urinary infection, it requires a detailed diagnosis.

Dr. Naresh will take your medical history and as part of the physical exam Dr. Naresh may apply some pressure on the right side of your abdomen to check for pain.
Blood Tests to check for infection
Urine test to rule out Urinary Tract infection
MRI, CT or ultrasound scan to see whether the appendix is inflamed

Treatment of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is almost always treated as an emergency. Surgery to remove the appendix is called an appendectomy, It is a gold standard for treatment of appendicitis. There are two ways to do the surgery, Open Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery. Open surgery is conducted if the appendix has burst causing infection. Check-out the next section on this page to know more about the benefits of laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Naresh Babu is an expert in both Open & Laparoscopic surgery. With him You are in Safe Hands.

Appendectomy Surgery Steps

The steps described below are for simple appendectomy without any complications.

1. You will be given local or general anesthesia.
2. Using the laparoscopic tools, Dr. Naresh Babu will make 3-4 small incisions in abdominal region.
3. Dr. Naresh Babu will check, cut and remove the appendix through the hole.
4. Dr. Naresh will then close the tiny incisions.
5. You may be shifted to ICU to monitor for a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of Appendix Surgery?

Laparoscopic appendix surgeries are routine and safe. However as with any surgery, there are always a few risks associated. Appendectomy surgery risks are listed below.

1. Infection that can occur if the appendix bursts during surgery (peritonitis)
2. Bleeding
3. Blocked bowels
4. Injury to internal organs
5. Risk of anesthesia
What is the post operative actions after surgery?

Few hours after the appendix surgery, the doctors and nurses will encourage the patient to get-up and move.
You should be able to drink fluids after a few hours of surgery. Drink plenty of water every day to help prevent constipation.

Keep the incision area clean & dry. There could be a little pain around the abdomen for a couple of days for which appropriate pain medicines would be prescribed to you.

The doctor will also recommend long term and short-term precautions that patients will need to follow.
Usually most patients go home in 1 to 2 days of surgery.
How soon can I get back to normal life and join work?
- Most people can return to work within three days to two weeks after surgery. People who's work involves performing manual labor may need more time.
- You can return to light activities such as housework after a couple of days.
- Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help you heal faster.
- Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities for at least four weeks.
- Sexual intercourse is permitted when you feel ready—generally, around three to four weeks post-surgery.