Appendectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ connected to the large intestine; though the exact function of the appendix remains unclear, appendectomy becomes inevitable if the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. This condition is known as appendicitis. An inflamed appendix can rupture, leading to serious complications like peritonitis, infection of the abdominal lining or abscess formation. Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention, making appendectomy one of the most commonly performed emergency surgeries.

Apollo Hospitals in Mysore is the most reliable facility for minor to complex surgeries. We offer treatments using the latest technology, and the procedures are carried out by some of the most highly skilled professionals. Among the various surgeries done here, an appendectomy is a vital medical procedure in treating appendicitis. We will further discuss the appendectomy procedure and Apollo Hospitals’ excellence in appendectomy care.

The Appendectomy Procedure

The two major types of appendectomy procedures are open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. The procedure available depends on the case and the expertise of the surgeon with whom the patient comes into contact.

Open Appendectomy
In an open appendectomy, one large incision is created in the lower right part of the abdomen to remove the appendix. This traditional method is often used when the appendix has ruptured, and infection has occurred or when laparoscopic surgery is not considered appropriate.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy
It is the latest minimally invasive technique and has been used widely for the past few years. During this procedure, the surgeon makes 2 to 3 small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera) to visualise the appendix. The appendix is removed using special instruments through these small incisions. This method is preferred due to its faster recovery time, reduced pain, and minimal scarring.

When is an Appendectomy Necessary?

An appendectomy is required when the appendix becomes infected and causes a condition called appendicitis. Appendicitis is generally considered a medical emergency because if the appendix bursts or ruptures, it increases the chances of infection spreading into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to potentially serious complications if not removed in time.

Usually, appendicitis begins as a pain near the belly button, which may then shift to the lower right side of the abdomen. Additional symptoms of appendicitis often include:

• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Frequent urination
• Nausea
• Pain or discomfort during urination
• Vomiting

If the appendix ruptures, then symptoms grow more painful and severe, with pain in the abdomen and a fever. The first treatment of appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix. Antibiotics can cure infection, but doctors usually prescribe to go for an appendectomy to prevent future risk of rupture in healthy individuals.

Appendectomy Preparation

Specific preparations need to be done before the appendectomy procedure to ensure that the surgery is performed safely and efficiently. This is what a patient can anticipate:

• Medical Evaluation: Doctors will perform a proper medical assessment, which will include a physical exam and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or even a CT scan, to diagnose appendicitis properly. Blood tests may also be carried out to detect infection or inflammation.
• Fasting: Normally, patients are instructed to fast for at least 6-8 hours before the surgery to avoid the complications that may occur from the anaesthetic during the procedure.
• Anaesthesia: Both open and laparoscopic appendectomy procedures require general anaesthesia, which ensures the patient is unconscious and pain-free during the operation.
• Preoperative Care: In some cases, patients may be placed on antibiotics to help prevent infection. Pre-operatively, in a ruptured appendix, intravenous fluids and antibiotics are administered to stabilise the patient before surgery.
• Informed Consent: In any surgical procedure, an informed consent form is signed after discussing the risks, benefits, and alternatives with his or her healthcare provider. The Apollo Hospitals medical team tries to make sure that the patients involved are fully aware and comfortable about the procedure.

Appendectomy Recovery

Appendectomy recovery is largely influenced by the type of surgery performed, the health status of the patient, and if there are any complications. Here’s what recovery generally looks like:

• Hospital Stay: In a laparoscopic appendectomy, most patients are usually discharged within 1 to 2 days of the procedure. For those who undergo an open procedure with appendicular rupture, the hospital stay might be slightly prolonged.
• Postoperative Care: The pain at the site of the incision will be mild to moderate and can be taken care of with pain medications. Antibiotics will be given to prevent infection if the appendix ruptures before it is removed.
• Activity Restrictions: Typically, a patient is discharged from the post-anesthesia care unit on the same day as the surgery to promote circulation and avoid blood clots. Avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks after an open appendectomy. Recovery is quicker with a laparoscopic appendectomy, and most patients return to full activity within 2-3 weeks.
• Wound Care: Effective wound care is essential for a smooth recovery. The incisions should be cleaned and allowed to dry, and the doctor should notify the patient when it is safe to shower or bathe.
• Follow-Up Appointments: After surgery, one usually needs to schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor the healing and the absence of complications. If used to close the incision, the stitches or staples can be removed during these visits.

Appendectomy Risks

Although appendectomy is considered to be a relatively safe procedure, like any surgery, it is accompanied by multiple risks that can occur. Risks may depend on the patient’s health, the type of surgery performed, and even whether or not the appendix had ruptured. These common risks associated with appendectomy include:

• Infection: Infection at the incision site or within the abdominal cavity is a possible risk, especially if the appendix has ruptured. Antibiotics and proper wound care can help minimise this risk.
• Bleeding: Surgical wound bleeding is a rare complication during or even after surgery, but it can occur and sometimes requires multiple procedures to manage bleeding.
• Hernia: After an open appendectomy, there is a small risk of developing a hernia at the incision site, particularly if the abdominal muscles do not heal properly. The risk is lower with laparoscopic appendectomy because the incision is smaller.
• Bowel Obstruction: Scar tissue can, in very rare instances, obstruct the bowels. Further surgery might then be needed.
• Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia: Some patients may also react to or experience complications related to the allergy-evoking tendencies of the anaesthesia used during the procedure.

Appendectomy Costs

The cost of the appendectomy procedure depends upon factors like the type of surgery, location of the hospital, insurance, and complications. At Apollo Hospitals, Mysore, the cost typically includes preoperative consultations, surgery, anaesthesia, postoperative care, and any necessary medications.

• Laparoscopic Appendectomy is usually costlier than open surgery as it requires more expensive equipment and specialised manpower. However, the recovery time is quicker, and the hospitalisation period is shorter, which catches up with the higher initial cost in the long run.
• Open Appendectomy might be less costly, but it may require a longer stay in the hospital and a slightly longer recovery process. Thus, expenses might be as high as a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Patients are encouraged to contact the hospital and ask for an estimate of the cost of an appendectomy; this will depend on the patient’s medical condition and circumstances.

Conclusion

Appendectomy is a critical surgical intervention for the treatment of appendicitis that can prevent fatal complications. Apollo Hospitals in Mysore provide the latest facilities and have the most highly skilled surgeons and doctors who ensure that a patient receives the best care. Safety for the patients, combined with advanced technology, makes it the best for those needing surgical interventions such as appendectomy. By choosing Apollo Hospitals, patients can rest assured that they are in the right hands, receiving top-notch medical treatment tailored to their needs.