Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Laparoscopic appendectomy is one of the most often performed surgeries under emergency conditions as a result of acute pain. The appendix is located at the right side of the abdomen at the beginning of the large intestine, making it susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria and waste that may cause pus formation and inflammation.

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a successful surgery, and often it is the first option when verifying appendicitis.

A general and laparoscopic surgeon can decide appendectomy to remove the inflamed, and swollen appendix (appendicitis), the surgery is decided urgently due to the possibility that the appendix may burst or rupture 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms, which can be life-threatening due to inflammation of peritoneum (membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity).

The patient undergoes a series of tests before the laparoscopic appendectomy is performed, including:

• Physical examination to check for pain.
• Blood tests.
• Urine test.
• X-ray for the abdominal area.
• CT scanning.

Laparoscopic appendectomy may involve some complications, and although they are rare, but they may occur, the most important are:

• Inflammation of surgical wound.
• Abscesses at the site of appendix or at wound site.
• Punctures of one of the organs adjacent to the appendix.
• Redness and swelling in the abdomen in the case of an appendix bursting during the surgery.

Steps for laparoscopic appendectomy can be divided into three stages:

• Preparation of the patient:

Laparoscopic appendectomy is carried out under emergency conditions, so the preparations of the patient is done within a short time, by giving him intravenous antibiotics and prevent him from eating. Sometimes he may be given drugs to relieve nausea and vomiting. In non-emergency cases, the patient is required to fast for 8 hours prior to the surgery and to refrain from taking certain medications on the advice of a doctor.

• During the surgery: 

Laparoscopic appendectomy includes the following steps:

1. Anesthesia of the patient (general anesthetic).
2. Make small incisions in the abdomen.
3. Inserting surgical tools (laparoscope and other tools).
4. Excise the appendix and remove it through one of the incisions.
5. Close the incisions with stitches and cover them with special medical tapes.

• After the surgery: 

The patient remains in the hospital for a day or two, if he does not experience a rupture or bursting in the appendix. He may feel some pain, so given painkillers and other medicines depending on his health.

The recovery period after the laparoscopic appendectomy lasts approximately 14 days, during which the patient must take into account many of his activities so that he does not strain himself for at least three or four days after the operation. Preferably at first rely on liquid food then gradual transformation of regular solid food.