Appendicitis surgery how many days to remove stitches?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 16, 2025
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Appendectomy stitches are generally removed about a week after the surgery. However, there are special circumstances where the removal of stitches may be delayed. For example, if the patient is physically weak, nutritionally compromised, or if the wound heals slowly, it is necessary to wait until the wound has sufficiently healed before removing the stitches. If the appendectomy incision shows clear signs of pus formation, it is crucial to remove the stitches promptly, thoroughly clean the wound, and then dress it externally. Therefore, the timing for stitch removal after an appendectomy should be based on the patient's current medical condition.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Appendicitis location

The location of appendicitis is generally in the lower right abdomen, as the appendix is mostly located in the right iliac fossa. There are very few cases of situs inversus, where it is located on the left, but the appendix usually originates from the base of the cecum, attached to the posterior wall of the cecum, at the confluence of the three taeniae coli. Therefore, the surface projection of the appendix is mostly at the junction of the outer one-third of the line connecting the navel and the right anterior superior iliac spine, which is also commonly used as the marking point for surgical incisions. In cases of appendicitis, there may be pain in the upper right abdomen or pelvic region due to changes in the position of the appendix. For confirmed diagnoses of appendicitis, surgery is generally considered, and minimally invasive methods can be chosen. If an abscess forms around the appendix and the patient's condition can be managed, conservative treatment is usually preferred initially, followed by elective removal of the appendix after three months.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Causes of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is caused by both anatomical factors of the body and lifestyle dietary patterns. The appendix is a tube that is open at one end and closed at the other, communicating with the cecum. Due to its narrow and long nature, it is easy for fecal matter to block the appendix, leading to increased pressure within the tube, mucosal ischemia necrosis, and subsequently triggering inflammation. Additionally, irregular eating habits, such as binge eating, habitual drinking, and consumption of spicy food, can provoke inflammation of the appendix. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically. The laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used nowadays, which is a minimally invasive treatment that allows for a faster recovery and leaves smaller scars on the body surface.

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What should I do if I have appendicitis pain?

Appendicitis should first be diagnosed and treated at the general surgery outpatient clinic. The doctor will perform relevant examinations based on symptoms and signs, such as complete blood count, C-reactive protein, and ultrasound of the lower right abdomen, among others. Based on the results of these tests, the doctor will make an appropriate judgment about the condition. Generally, surgery is advocated for acute appendicitis. If the inflammation is not severe, conservative treatment, primarily focusing on anti-inflammatory treatment, may also be an option. Severe acute appendicitis poses a risk of perforation, and timely hospitalization for surgical treatment is recommended. Chronic appendicitis should also be managed based on specific symptoms, signs, and related examinations, with early surgery performed if possible to prevent recurrent episodes.

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How long after appendicitis can one have intercourse?

Regarding how long after appendectomy one can engage in sexual activities, it mainly depends on the treatment method used and the healing status after the surgery. Most cases of appendicitis can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, which not only cause less trauma and allow for quicker recovery but also reduce postoperative complications. The abdomen typically has two to three small puncture holes, each about one centimeter in length, and most patients can achieve sufficient strength to engage in sexual activities about a month after surgery. However, for traditional open surgery, the abdominal incision is usually longer, which may lead to incision infection and poor healing of the incision, and it generally takes about three months to achieve sufficient strength. For acute appendicitis, minimally invasive treatment is generally recommended, provided the patient's condition permits.

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Should you avoid certain foods if you have chronic appendicitis?

The majority of chronic appendicitis is transformed from acute appendicitis after treatment. Clinically, it mainly manifests as recurrent pain and discomfort in the lower right abdomen. In cases of chronic appendicitis, it is important to pay attention to a reasonable diet, avoid overeating and the consumption of gastrointestinal irritants, including spicy foods and some hard, cold foods, as these can induce pain in the lower right abdomen. Additionally, the diet should be low in sodium, sugar, and fat. Consumable options may include liquid or semi-liquid foods, as well as foods like yogurt. It is also advisable to eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and anti-inflammatory substances, such as apples, bananas, cabbage, and cauliflower.