Laparoscopic Appendectomy

This is considered an advanced procedure compared to the conventional method of appendix removal surgery. In this method, the surgeon makes two or three tiny incisions in your abdomen rather than a single large cut and inserts a laparoscope – a thin tube with a camera and light attached to it, which allows them to view the inside of your abdomen. The appendix is tied and closed using sutures or surgical tape and covered with a dressing.

What is APPENDIX?

The appendix is a small thin finger-like pouch located on the right side of the abdomen as a small extension attached to the colon (Large intestine).

What is appendicitis?  When the appendix gets blocked or infected, it is called appendicitis. Appendix gets swollen and inflamed. When not treated, it gets ruptured and leads to situations that are life-threatening. A ruptured appendix spills all its content into the surrounding tissues or inflammation of the abdominal lining leading to peritonitis and sepsis, in turn leading to organ failure and death. This happens only if not treated in time.

What are the symptoms of Appendicitis?

The major symptom is a pain in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen. Other symptoms to look out for are – loss of appetite, pain around the belly & abdomen tenderness, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or gas, Fever, pain in places like the back, or rectal area, indigestion, pain during urination. In children who are below 2 years, the parents need to look out for symptoms like vomiting, abdominal bloating, swelling, tender abdomen.

Types of Appendix Operation (Appendicitis Surgery)

  • Open Appendectomy

This is one of the surgical procedures carried out in order to remove an appendix where the surgeon makes a single, large cut/incision of about 5-10 centimeters in the lower-right abdominal area. The appendix is completely removed, and the wound is closed using stitches. 

Frequently asked questions

Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive and requires small incisions it is not minor surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is major surgery with the potential for major complications including bleeding and injury to the visceral organs, GI tract and bladder.

Laparoscopic surgeries require small incisions and are minimally invasive so the recovery time is typically less than surgeries performed through traditional methods. Patients can go home after doctors have checked for any side effects and the effects of the anesthesia have worn off.

After patients are discharged from the hospital, they undergo recovery at home. Keeping a few things in mind will ensure fast and proper recovery after laparoscopy.

 

Typically laparoscopic surgery uses two to four small incisions of half an inch or less.

Laparoscopy used to diagnose a condition can take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. Laparoscopic surgery used to treat conditions can take longer depending on the type of surgery.