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Appendectomy—Laparoscopic Surgery

Authors:
  • Editorial Staff and Contributors
Publication Type:

Procedure

Appendectomy—Laparoscopic Surgery

Animation Movie AvailableRelated Media: Appendectomy

Definition

An appendectomy is the removal of the appendix. The appendix is a small, blind-ended tube that is attached to the large intestine.

Reasons for Procedure

An appendectomy is most often done as an emergency operation to treat appendicitis . Appendicitis is swelling of the appendix. It can be caused by an infection or blockage.

Appendicitis.

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nucleus imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=49824982EC00032_ma.jpgEC00032_maNULLjpgInflammed appendixNULL\\filer01a\Intellect\images\EC00032_ma.jpgNULL23NULL2004-04-29280380Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will go over problems that could happen, like:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to other organs
  • Reaction to anesthesia
  • Blockage of the bowel

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Long term health issues such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision sites
  • Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain
  • More belly pain
  • Nausea or vomiting that is severe or does not go away
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Passing blood in the stool

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery.

IV fluids and antibiotics will be started right away. Since appendicitis is an emergency condition, surgery is almost always done as soon a possible after the diagnosis is made.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Appendectomy. American College of Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.facs.org/~/media/files/education/patient%20ed/app.ashx.
  • Appendicitis in adolescents and adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/appendicitis-in-adolescents-and-adults.
  • Patient information for laparoscopic appendectomy surgery from SAGES. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.sages.org/publications/patient-information/patient-information-for-laparoscopic-appendectomy-from-sages.
  • Short, V., Herbert, G., et al. Chewing gum for postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015; 2: CD006506.
  • Mills, E., Eyawo, O., et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Medicine, 2011; 124 (2): 144-154.

Contributors

  • James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.