When it is recommended
Acute appendicitis: sudden inflammation of the appendix, usually presenting as pain that begins around the navel and moves to the right lower abdomen, often with nausea, fever and loss of appetite.
Left untreated, the appendix can rupture, which is a more serious problem requiring longer hospitalisation and antibiotics. Operating early, before the appendix ruptures, gives the smoothest and fastest recovery.
How the operation is performed
Three small keyhole incisions are made in the abdomen. The appendix is identified, its blood supply is clipped, and it is detached from the cecum and removed through one of the port sites. Any free fluid in the abdomen is washed out. Total operating time is 30–60 minutes.
Recovery
For uncomplicated (unruptured) appendicitis, discharge is typically the same day or the next morning. Return to office work in a week; full activity in 2–3 weeks. Ruptured or complicated appendicitis requires a longer hospital stay (3–5 days) and a course of intravenous antibiotics.
Is the appendix useful?
The appendix has no essential function in adults; life without it is entirely normal. Early surgery before rupture is always preferable to observing and waiting.
When to call the clinic
Fever, expanding abdominal pain, wound redness or discharge in the first two weeks after surgery.