Appendectomy

Young nurses assist at an appendectomy 8b07788v

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Appendectomy incision locations

Laparoscopic Port Site

US Navy 060227-N-9742R-004 The Ship's Surgeon Lt. Cmdr. Michael Barker, center, and Senior Medical Officer Commander David Gibson, left, perform an urgent laparoscopic appendectomy

Appendectomy plus 10 days

Appendectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the appendix when it is infected. This condition is known as appendicitis. Appendectomy is one of the most common surgeries and can be performed using open surgery through a single abdominal incision or laparoscopically, using several small abdominal incisions.

Indications

The primary indication for an appendectomy is appendicitis, an acute inflammation of the appendix, which can lead to complications such as perforation, abscess formation, or peritonitis if not treated promptly. Symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. The diagnosis is primarily based on the patient's symptoms and may be supported by imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

Procedure

Open Appendectomy

In an open appendectomy, the surgeon makes a 2 to 4-inch incision in the lower right side of the abdomen to remove the appendix. This traditional method allows the surgeon a direct view and access to the appendix.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Laparoscopic appendectomy involves making several small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope, a long instrument with a camera, is inserted through one incision, allowing the surgeon to see inside the abdomen on a monitor. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to remove the appendix. This method typically results in less pain post-operatively and a quicker recovery.

Recovery

Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient's overall health. Patients who undergo laparoscopic appendectomy often experience shorter hospital stays and quicker return to normal activities. Complications are rare but can include infection, bleeding, or injury to nearby organs.

Complications

While appendectomy is generally safe, complications can occur, such as wound infection, abscess, or adhesions. In rare cases, if the appendix has burst and infection has spread, patients may require a longer hospital stay and additional treatments.

Epidemiology

Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of emergency abdominal surgery in the world. It can occur at any age but is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 30.

History

The first recorded successful appendectomy was performed by Dr. Claudius Amyand at St. George's Hospital in London in 1735. Since then, the procedure has evolved significantly, especially with the introduction of laparoscopic techniques in the late 20th century.