Appendectomy: what you need to know

An appendectomy (aka having your appendix removed) is one of the most common emergency surgeries. It’s usually needed when someone develops appendicitis, an infection that causes swelling and pain in the appendix.

Dr Maré Du Plessis, a specialist surgeon at Mediclinic Milnerton in Cape Town, explains:

“When the appendix becomes inflamed, bacteria build up, causing pain around the belly button that moves to the lower right abdomen. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. If not treated, the appendix can burst, leading to serious infections like peritonitis, and emergency surgery is performed.”

So, what exactly is the appendix?

The appendix is a small, tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of your abdomen. Its exact purpose? Still a mystery! The good news is, you don’t actually need it to function normally.

Appendicitis mostly affects children and young adults, but really, it can strike at any age. The symptoms aren’t always straightforward, though, and can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions.

“The illness can be confused with complicated ovarian pathology, urinary tract infections or kidney stones, as well as other conditions of the colon,” says Dr Du Plessis. “It can become an emergency quite quickly, within a few hours or days, so it is important to seek urgent medical assistance.”

Types of appendectomy

There are two main ways to remove an appendix:

• Open surgery: A single incision is made in the lower right abdomen to remove the appendix. This is usually done if the appendix has already burst.
• Laparoscopic surgery: Several small incisions are made, and a tiny camera helps guide the surgeon. This method is less invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and is often preferred for older adults and overweight patients.

Getting ready for surgery

If you’re heading in for an appendectomy, you’ll need to avoid eating or drinking for at least eight hours beforehand. Let your doctor know about any medications, allergies, or if you’re pregnant. In some cases, tests like blood work or imaging may be done, but in emergencies, you might be taken straight into surgery.

What happens after?

Most patients are monitored for a bit after surgery and can go home the same day. Recovery takes about four to six weeks, with a few restrictions, so no heavy lifting or intense workouts for a while!

Pain and discomfort are totally normal at first, but medication can help manage it. Keeping the incisions clean is key to avoiding infections.

The good news? Most people recover fully without any complications. Just be sure to follow up with your doctor to make sure everything is healing properly.