What is an appendectomy?
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of your appendix. Your appendix is a tiny pouch attached to your large intestine on the lower right side of your abdomen.
Appendicitis means you have an infection in your appendix. Surgery is the primary treatment for appendicitis. When left untreated, appendicitis may worsen, and your appendix may burst, leading to a potentially life-threatening infection.
Your appendix produces proteins that support the immune system. However, you can survive without your appendix because other parts of your body also produce these proteins.
Who needs an appendectomy?
You need an appendectomy if you have symptoms that suggest you have appendicitis. Common symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Severe, unexpected pain on the lower right side of your abdomen
- Pain around your belly button
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal bloating
- Low-grade fever
- Diarrhea or constipation
Appendicitis is a medical emergency. If you have these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What happens during an appendectomy?
The surgical team uses minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques when performing an appendectomy. During the procedure, your surgeon makes 1-3 small incisions in your abdomen. They insert a laparoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube with a camera, through one of the incisions.
The laparoscope provides detailed images of your appendix. Your surgeon inserts surgical instruments through the other incisions and removes your appendix.
The surgeons at Gil Q. Galloway, M.D., Inc. may also perform a robotic-assisted appendectomy.
During the traditional open appendectomy, surgeons make a large incision through your abdomen to gain access to your appendix for removal. You may need a traditional open appendectomy if your appendix bursts.
How long is recovery following an appendectomy?
You should plan to take it easy for 3-5 days following a laparoscopic appendectomy. The surgical team at Gil Q. Galloway, M.D., Inc. provides specific instructions about diet and activity following your procedure.
Recovery following an open appendectomy may take 1-2 weeks.
Your surgeon at Gil Q. Galloway, M.D., Inc. schedules a follow-up appointment about three weeks following your procedure to see how you’re doing and to evaluate your incisions.
Schedule your appendectomy consultation at Gil Q. Galloway, M.D., Inc. by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.
