Procedure for Laparoscopic Appendisectomy

What is a Laparoscopic Appendisectomy?

Laparoscopic Appendisectomy is the surgical removal of infected appendix while monitoring internal organs on a TV monitor. Appendicitis is quite common in today’s time and one out of 2000 people undergo Appendisectomy during their lifetime.

Laparoscopic Appendisectomy Procedure

In a laparoscopic Appendisectomy, the surgeon operates via three cuts (¼ to ½ inch each) through which they get access to the internal organs of patients. The surgeon operates the patient while watching the image of internal organs on a TV monitor, which further makes it easy to perform the surgery.

The most common benefits of Laparoscopic Appendisectomy are-

1. Negligible postoperative pain
2. Reduced stay period in a hospital
3. Quick recovery
4. Ease of returning to normal life
5. Facilitate quick bowel function

Approximate cost of Laparoscopic Appendisectomy

A study showed that the appendix removal surgery can range from $1,500 all the way up to $180,000. On an average, the surgery costs about $33,000.

Average length of stay

After a Laparoscopic Appendisectomy, a patient is usually discharged from the hospital within 24 to 36 hours.

Indications for Laparoscopic Appendisectomy

1. Inflamed appendix
2. Extensive infection
3. Punctured appendix
4. Abscess

This surgery can be recommended in the presence of the following symptoms:

1. Sharp abdominal pain
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Loss of appetite
5. Constipation
6. Chills and shaking
7. Fever in regular intervals
8. Rectal tenderness

In case the patient’s appendix is largely infected, then it is impossible to perform this surgery.

Post-Surgery Complications

Risks involved post surgery:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to the small intestine, bladder, ureter
• Blood clots in legs
• Leakage at colon’s edge

Post Discharge Care/Rehabilitation Information

• Dos and Don’ts

  1. Avoid lifting heavy objects for few weeks post the surgery.
  2. Once the surgery is performed, the patient should normally walk. This will reduce the risk of formation of blood clots in legs as well as sore muscles.
  3. Patients can easily pursue their daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, bathing, going to work, etc.

• Regular Follow up

  1. Post-surgery, it is essential to consult your doctor regularly as per their instructions.
  2. In case of any complications as mentioned above, contact your surgeon immediately.

• Taking Medication as Prescribed

  Always take prescribed medications with food as consuming them empty stomach may lead to nausea or vomiting.

• Dietary and Lifestyle Advice to be Followed

  1. After the Laparoscopic Appendisectomy, you may experience fatigue at least for a week. It is recommended that you should go for short walks, 2 to 3 times a day.
  2. Consume food items as prescribed by the doctor.