Is an operation necessary if you have appendicitis? Let's learn about the appendectomy surgery!

When you're hospitalized for severe pain in the lower right side of your abdomen, the doctor tells you that you have appendicitis and need to have an operation. It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when the word "operation" suddenly comes up. But don't worry. This is a very common and successful surgery in the world. So today, let's talk about everything you need to know about this surgery called appendectomy .

What is an appendectomy?

Simply put, an appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your appendix, or appendix as we call it in Sinhala. The appendix is ​​a small, tube-like organ that is attached to the beginning of your large intestine. It is located in the lower right side of your abdomen.

When the appendix becomes infected and swollen, we call it appendicitis. Because there is a risk of rupture of an inflamed appendix, appendicitis is a medical emergency. However, a healthy appendix has not yet been found to have any special function in our body. Therefore, having it surgically removed will not harm you. You can live a normal life without it.

Why is this such an urgent surgery?

Think about it, the appendix is ​​a very small organ. So when it gets infected, it swells up very quickly, and it has a high chance of bursting. If the appendix bursts inside the abdomen, the infection can spread throughout the abdomen. If that happens, it can cause a serious condition called peritonitis . That is, an infection of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.

If this infection does not stop there and spreads to the bloodstream, it can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition called sepsis . The appendix can rupture within as little as 36 hours of the onset of appendicitis symptoms. That is why it is considered an emergency and treatment is started immediately.

What happens before the operation?

Surgery is usually performed within 24 hours of the doctor diagnosing appendicitis. Before that, you will be given an IV line, or saline, into a vein, and antibiotics will be started as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the infection, these antibiotics will continue for one to seven days after surgery.

Your doctor may also decide to do blood tests and scans before the surgery. It is also important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, any allergies you have, and any other medical conditions you have. This will help him or her explain the nature of the surgery to you and obtain your consent. You will not be allowed to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the surgery, but you will continue to be given fluids through a saline solution.

During surgery and its types

Before the surgery begins, you will be given general anesthesia. So you will not feel any pain during the surgery, you will be asleep. There are two types of appendectomy depending on the method of surgery.

Sometimes, even if the procedure starts with a laparoscopic approach, the surgeon may have to switch to an open procedure depending on the condition inside. This surgery usually takes about an hour.

What happens after the operation?

If you had an uncomplicated laparoscopic surgery, you may be able to go home the same evening. However, you will not be able to drive due to the effects of the anesthesia, so you will need someone to drive you.

But if your appendix burst or you had open surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few more days. Your doctor will continue to monitor your condition and give you antibiotics intravenously. If you have a drainage tube, it will be removed before you go home.

What should you do when you get home? What should you not do?

Your dedication is also very important for a complete recovery.

Things to do:

• Keep the surgical incision/incision area clean and dry . Care for it as directed by your doctor.
• Eat liquid or soft foods that are easy to digest in the early days. Gradually get used to regular foods.
• Don't overexert yourself. If you have open surgery, standing for too long can hurt your abdominal muscles.
• If you notice signs of infection such as fever, swelling around the incision, redness, or pus, call your doctor immediately.

Things you should not do:

• Do not take any medication that your doctor has not approved. Some painkillers can increase bleeding .
• Do not go into water, bathe in bathtubs, or swim until the incisions heal and the stitches dissolve (or until the doctor removes the stitches).
• Avoid doing activities that strain your abdominal muscles. Minimize lifting weights and climbing stairs.
• Don't stay in bed all the time. Getting up and walking around helps prevent blood clots and restore bowel function.

When should I see the doctor again?

You should usually see your doctor for a follow-up check-up after two to three weeks. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, do not wait and tell your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) :

• Swelling, redness , or discoloration around the incision
• Fever
• Severe stomach pain
• Appetite
• Vomiting

It may take about 4-6 weeks to fully recover. But if you listen to your body and follow your doctor's instructions, you can return to normal life quickly.