Appendectomy - Laparoscopic Care
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Appendectomy - Laparoscopic Details
Your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam
- Blood and urine tests
- X-rays -a test that uses radiation to take a picture of the inside of the body
- Ultrasound -a test that uses sound waves to find the appendix and other organs
- CT scan -a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
Antibiotics will be started right away. Since appendicitis is an emergency condition, surgery is almost always done right away.
AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep, with a temporary breathing tube in place.
Description of the ProcedureThree small incisions will be made in your abdomen. A laparoscope (small tool with a camera on the end) will be passed through an incision. Gas will be blown into your abdomen to make it easier for the doctor to see. Other tools will be inserted into the incisions. The camera will send images of your insides to a video screen. The doctor will use these images to find and remove the appendix.
The appendix will be detached from surrounding tissue. The doctor will stop any bleeding from blood vessels. The appendix will then be tied off and cut out. A stapler will be used to cut the appendix out. The incisions will be closed with stitches or staples.
After ProcedureThe removed tissue is examined by a pathologist.
How Long Will It Take?1-2 hours
How Much Will It Hurt?Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You may be given medicine to manage any pain.
Average Hospital StayYou may go home on the same day, as long as there are no complications.
Post-procedure Care At the HospitalYou will be asked to get out of bed about six hours after surgery.
At HomeRecovery takes about 1-2 weeks.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- You may resume your normal preoperative diet as soon as possible.
- You may be given antibiotics to fight infection. Take all the medicines your doctor gives you, even if you start to feel better.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry.
- Wash your hands before changing the dressing.
- Rest, and take it easy for 1-2 weeks.
- Do not exercise or do heavy lifting for one or more weeks as directed by your doctor.
- Gradually increase activities as approved by your doctor.
- Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
