Does appendicitis surgery leave scars?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 22, 2025
00:00
00:00

Appendectomy surgery leaves scars due to cutting the skin on the body surface, and then the scars heal. Currently, there is a minimally invasive treatment available; it involves using laparoscopic technology to remove the appendix. This requires making three small incisions on the body surface, resulting in smaller scars, and postoperative recovery is relatively quick. Those who have cosmetic concerns may choose this method. Additionally, postoperative care should be enhanced, including regular dressing changes for the incision. Generally, stitches can be removed a week after the surgery. Attention should be paid to dietary adjustments, such as consuming more vegetables to prevent constipation. Once gastrointestinal function has returned, nutritional intake should be increased by eating more meats and eggs to strengthen the body and promote recovery.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 25sec home-news-image

Can appendicitis cause a fever?

Appendicitis can cause fever, and generally, it is considered an inflammatory condition. Besides fever, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. Typically, the abdominal pain manifests as lower right quadrant pain, which is referred pain. If a patient has fever and typical lower right quadrant pain, further investigations like abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, and CT scans should be carried out. Diagnosing appendicitis is usually not difficult. The treatment of choice for appendicitis is generally surgical intervention, especially for early-stage patients with symptoms lasting less than three days, where an appendectomy is recommended. However, in some elderly patients with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, etc., who are not suitable for surgery, especially if the duration of the illness is more than three days, conservative medical treatment can be chosen. Conservative treatment primarily involves active anti-infection and anti-inflammatory measures and usually takes longer. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a common disease in general surgery, so one can register for a general surgery appointment. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of appendicitis is mainly based on clinical manifestations. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. The abdominal pain starts around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen after several hours, where the pain becomes localized. Once diagnosed with appendicitis, surgery is often required. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly used. This surgical method requires general anesthesia and is relatively complex, but recovery is quicker, and patients typically can be discharged after a routine 3-day hospital stay.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
40sec home-news-image

Is appendicitis contagious?

Appendicitis is an inflammation that occurs in the lumen of the appendix, including acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis. Appendicitis is not contagious, as it is not an infectious disease, but rather a purulent inflammation. Therefore, there is no need to isolate patients with appendicitis. Appendicitis usually requires surgical removal, but it is important to note that surgery should not be performed if acute appendicitis has been present for more than 72 hours, or if an abscess has formed. The majority of surgeries are performed using laparoscopic appendectomy, a method which allows for a faster recovery post-operation.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

Is there a scar from appendicitis surgery?

Appendectomy involves cutting into the skin, so scars remain on the body after healing. The traditional surgery method through McBurney's point leaves a larger scar, whereas the current laparoscopic treatment, which involves removing the appendix through laparoscopy, only leaves three small incisions on the body and results in smaller scars. Recovery is also faster, making this minimally invasive treatment a preferable option for those who are highly concerned about aesthetics. Additionally, postoperative care is crucial; eating is not allowed on the day of the surgery, a semi-liquid diet is recommended for the first 1-2 days post-operation, and a normal diet can be resumed after 3-4 days.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
46sec home-news-image

Causes of Chronic Appendicitis

The causes of chronic appendicitis mainly include three aspects. First, the narrowing of the appendiceal lumen. Most cases of chronic appendicitis have a history of acute appendicitis attacks. Long-term recurrent chronic inflammation can lead to thickening of the appendiceal wall, narrowing of the appendiceal lumen, and weakened peristalsis of the appendix. Second, obstruction within the appendiceal lumen by fecaliths is also a common cause of chronic appendicitis. Third, enlarged lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity can compress the appendiceal lumen, causing narrowing and repeated bacterial infections in the appendix. These are the common causes of chronic appendicitis.