Appendix Removal Surgery

What is the process of appendix removal surgery? The appendix is a small tube-shaped organ inside the human body. It sits in the lower right side region of the abdomen. Medical experts do not exactly know about the function and purpose of the appendix organ. To this day, the exact functionality of the appendix is unknown. However, some believe that it aids in the digestion process. However, appendix removal, or appendectomy is a very common procedure and the removal of the appendix has no affects on the health of a person.

Appendectomy

An appendectomy is a surgical procedure that aims to remove the appendix from a person’s body. Usually, people who undergo this surgery are emergency patients that come are suffering from appendicitis.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a disease that causes the appendix to swell up. The swelling of the appendix is an inflammatory response of the appendix. Appendicitis occurs when there is a bacterial invasion inside the appendix. The bacteria inside the appendix begin to multiply and create puss. Consequently, when the puss increases, it starts to press against the inner walls of the appendix, since it cannot escape. As a result, the appendix starts to become swollen, and the pressure inside increases, causing severe pain to an individual.

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This pain starts in the lower right side of the stomach and spreads all across the abdominal area. A person suffering from appendicitis pain has trouble walking, coughing, or doing any other activity. Some of the intense symptoms of appendicitis include vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, fever, diarrhea, and fainting in some cases. Appendicitis is an emergency, and a person needs to get medical attention as soon as possible.

Delaying appendicitis can lead to an adverse situation for a person. Since the accumulation of the pus stretches and pressure the appendix. Delaying appendectomy can ultimately cause the appendix to burst once the pressure reaches its peak point. Having a perforated appendix inside the abdominal region can lead to complications. This is because the bacterial material burst out into the abdominal cavity. In this circumstance, one puts the other abdominal organs into harm.

How to Prepare for an Appendectomy?

Before a patient goes into surgery, they have to complete an eight hour fast, in which they do not eat or drink anything. The doctor will also make a complete list of the medications you take so that the doctor can tell you whether you need to continue them before and after surgery.  Other information is also necessary such as previous medical conditions and allergies. This information is important since it helps the doctor determine the surgical technique they will use and the medications they will provide.

Diagnosis

Initially, when a patient suffering from appendicitis goes to the doctor, the doctor will likely perform a physical examination. This examination includes asking the patient about the location of the pain and gently pushing the abdominal region to spot the location and source of the pain. Once the doctor confirms the physical diagnosis of appendicitis, they may also run digital screening tests to re-confirm appendicitis.  However, this may not be necessary the appendix is at a critical stage. In that instance, the patient goes straight into surgery without imaging or blood tests.

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Types of Appendectomy Procedures

There are two types of appendectomy procedures, the surgeons decide which ones to perform after consideration of certain factors.  These factors involve the severity of the situation, the age and medical history of the patient, and the underlying conditions of the patient, especially bleeding disorders. The two types of procedures are open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy.

Open Appendectomy

An open appendectomy is a simple and straightforward surgical approach. It involves a surgeon making an incision on the stomach. They make the incision on the lower right side of the stomach, which is the location where the appendix is situated. This allows them a full view of the appendix.

After the incision, the surgeon operates the infected appendix, removing it and cleaning any bacterial mess if the appendix bursts. This surgical approach is ideal when the appendix bursts because the surgeons have room to clean the interior parts.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Unlike open appendectomy, this surgical approach allows surgeons to make smaller incisions on the abdomen.  After the incisions, they insert a small tube inside the abdomen and pump carbon dioxide gas inside it so that the stomach is inflated and they have room to use the laparoscope.

This is a tube-like device, with a high-intensity light and camera attached on its end.  Surgeons use this device to navigate the appendix and cut it off with the help of stitches. Furthermore, this surgery is more favorable to people that are old, overweight, or have bleeding issues.  The smaller incisions allow them to recover faster.

Appendix Removal Surgery: Conclusion

If you or any of your close relatives have symptoms that point to appendicitis, make sure that you do not leave it unnoticed. Lenox Hill Surgeons is a medical facility in New York that makes it easy for you to get treatment. Explore our website for more information or book an appointment now by calling 646-846-1136.