Postoperative diet for acute appendicitis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 11, 2024
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Postoperative diet for acute appendicitis should be taken with special attention. On the day of the surgery, no food should be consumed. After waiting for anal gas to pass, which typically occurs on the first day post-surgery, a semi-liquid diet can be chosen, consisting of easily digestible foods such as rice porridge, millet congee, and vegetable soup. From the third to the fifth day post-surgery, a normal diet can be resumed, including eating eggs and meat to supplement proteins and dietary fibers, which help the incision heal. Vegetables and fruits should also be consumed to prevent constipation. Additionally, proper care should be taken of the incision site, including regular dressing changes.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis be contagious?

Appendicitis is a nonspecific inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix. It is not contagious, therefore, it is not an infectious disease. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically because the main blood supply to the appendix is the appendicular artery, which can easily lead to ischemic necrosis during inflammation. If controlled solely by medication, symptoms are likely to recur easily. Currently, appendectomy is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques, under laparoscopy, which results in less bleeding during surgery and faster recovery afterward. Generally, if there is no suppuration or perforation, patients can be discharged three days after surgery. Postoperative care should be enhanced, including eating more vegetables to prevent constipation.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Is chronic appendicitis serious?

Chronic appendicitis can achieve good treatment outcomes through active surgical treatment or conservative treatment, and the cases of appendicitis here are not severe. However, a very small portion of patients with chronic appendicitis, especially those with underlying diseases such as diabetes, are at risk of developing a purulent infection of the appendix, which can lead to perforation of the appendix and result in diffuse peritonitis, sepsis, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. Thus, it can be said that there are indeed a few severe cases among patients with chronic appendicitis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How long to rest after appendicitis surgery?

After an appendectomy, if there is no significant suppuration or infection, a recovery period of at least two weeks is required. During this period, it is important to rest, pay attention to diet, increase nutrition, and increase protein intake, such as eating more chicken, fish, and soy products. Also, consume more vegetables and fruits, engage in appropriate exercises to increase gastrointestinal motility. The surgical incision should be dressed regularly, and sutures can be removed after a week post-operation, then depending on the condition, decide whether to change the dressing again.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to diagnose appendicitis

Appendicitis is primarily diagnosed clinically through a physical examination. The patient is asked to lie flat, exposing the abdomen, with legs bent. The doctor stands on the patient’s right side and uses the right hand with fingers together to gently rub the abdomen, pressing on the McBurney's point. If there is significant pain, this is considered positive tenderness. Then, the doctor quickly lifts the fingers; if there is significant rebound pain, it is generally confirmed as acute appendicitis. During acute appendicitis, as the appendix lumen expands and the appendix becomes congested and edematous, ultrasound imaging can also show corresponding signs that serve as an auxiliary diagnosis. Once acute appendicitis is confirmed, it is mostly treated surgically.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What to pay attention to with appendicitis

Patients with appendicitis should pay attention to diet adjustments and regular routines, as well as choosing the correct treatment method. Diet should be lighter, consume more vegetables, ensure smooth bowel movements, eat less raw, cold, and spicy foods, rest more, and avoid excessive fatigue, especially staying up late. Additionally, pay attention to active and effective treatments. Currently, surgical treatment is the main approach, and laparoscopic appendectomy can be chosen. This surgical method involves less bleeding during the operation and a faster postoperative recovery, requiring a rest period of two weeks post-surgery.