Appendectomy

Appendectomy is a surgery that involves removal of an appendix. In this surgery, the appendix is chopped out.
Appendix is an extending part of the large intestine. It appears as a little finger shaped pouch. The appendix is a closed ended narrow tube extending to several inches in length. It is attached to the cerum but the exact function is unknown in human being. Appendicitis is a condition when the appendix gets ill. It is caused due to impediment of the appendix. The appendix is usually removed when it becomes contaminated and irritated. If an infected sac leaks, the infection may spread in the entire abdomen area.

Need

symptoms
If sudden symptoms of appendicitis are seen, then surgery is necessary. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, reduced appetite, abdominal pain (located in lower right abdominal area), and rise in breath with raised pulse. In such case, you should immediately seek a medical help. If the treatment is not given in time, it can be lethal.
Diagnosis
The swollen appendix is checked by examining the abdomen and rectum. White blood cell (WBC) count is also performed to check the infection. There is no actual test available for the confirmation of appendicitis. The symptoms may resemble to the causes of other illness. The doctor will examine the condition on the basis of your symptoms, medical history, medical tests and physical exam results.
Tests performed are

• Urinalysis- Urine is examined under microscope to detect bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells in urine.
• Abdominal X- ray is used to detect facalith (calcified, hard stool piece, pea sized, blocks appendiceal opening).
• Ultrasound is a painless procedure used to identify the appendicitis in the body.
• Barium enema In this test, liquid barium is inserted through the anus to the colon, to fill the colon. Impression on the colon in the appendix area is shown in this test.
• CT scan- Appendix and periappendiceal abscesses are observed through this test. It is not useful for the pregnant women.
• Laparoscopy- A small puncture is made in the abdominal wall and a fiber tube containing camera is inserted through it. It shows direct scene of appendix and other pelvic organs. A general anesthetic is required for this test.

Procedure

Appendectomy is performed under general anesthesia to avoid pain during the surgery. Surgeon makes a small cut in the lower right belly area. From this cut, appendix is removed. If there is a formation of rupture or infectious packet before the surgery, the entire abdominal area is washed during the surgery. For drainage of fluid and pus, a small tube is left in abdomen area.

Result

After simple appendectomy, you can recover quickly. You may have to stay at the hospital for 1-3 days after the surgery. After leaving hospital you can continue your normal activities within 1- 3 weeks. If appendix is ruptured and abscess is formed then there is a slow recovery. After removal of appendix no problems occur without it.

Consideration

Anesthesia reactions include reaction to medicines and breathing problems. In surgery part, infection or bleeding may occur. If the appendix is ruptured then you have to stay in the hospital for a long time. Medicines used during appendectomy may bring some side effects.
Precautions
Avoid enemas, heating pads, laxatives or other home treatments to try and get relief from symptoms. To prevent future problems, appendix is removed though it is not infected.