Will there be a scar from appendicitis surgery?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 06, 2025
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Appendectomy can leave scars, especially more noticeable in people prone to scarring. Currently, there is a minimally invasive treatment that involves the removal of the appendix under laparoscopy. This method only requires three small incisions on the abdomen, resulting in smaller scars and a faster postoperative recovery. The traditional method, which involves making an incision at McBurney's point, leaves a slightly larger scar and has a slower recovery process. After recovery, the application of aloe vera can help reduce scarring. It is important to take good care of the incision, eat plenty of vegetables to prevent constipation, and protect the incision. At least two weeks of rest is necessary after the surgery, during which vigorous exercise should be avoided.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Does chronic appendicitis cause fever?

Chronic appendicitis is a common gastrointestinal disease. Whether chronic appendicitis causes fever depends on the control of the inflammation. Most cases of chronic appendicitis do not involve fever, but some cases may exhibit a low fever when the inflammation is not well controlled. A very small percentage of chronic appendicitis cases can undergo acute episodes and develop suppurative infections, leading to perforation of the appendix and diffuse peritonitis, septicemia, and septic shock; in such acute episodes of chronic appendicitis, a high fever can occur.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is appendicitis prone to recurrence?

Appendicitis, if treated by surgically removing the appendix, generally does not recur and can be cured. However, if one only uses medication to control the symptoms during an attack of appendicitis, it can easily recur. For appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy is currently the preferred surgical treatment. This method involves less bleeding during surgery and quicker recovery post-surgery. For elderly or frail patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia, the traditional surgical method involving an incision at McBurney's point can be chosen. With this method, it is important to rest more. Patients can usually be discharged about a week after surgery. Postoperative care should be strengthened, dietary adjustments should be made, and more vegetables should be eaten to prevent constipation.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to relieve pain from acute appendicitis

For rapid pain relief in acute appendicitis, one can choose antispasmodic or sedative medications. However, it is important to note that acute appendicitis often requires surgical treatment clinically. If the pain is not particularly severe, conservative medication treatment can also be chosen, using sensitive antibiotics for anti-inflammatory pain relief. If surgery involves appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy is generally chosen, which has less intraoperative bleeding and quicker postoperative recovery. Only after the appendix is removed can the onset of acute appendicitis be effectively controlled or the transition from acute to chronic appendicitis prevented. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What can you eat with appendicitis?

The diet for appendicitis should be based on the needs of the condition, determining what can or cannot be eaten based on the response of the gastrointestinal tract. During the acute inflammatory phase, fasting is necessary, and hydration and electrolytes should be replenished through intravenous fluids. If the inflammation is severe, immediate surgical treatment should be undertaken. For chronic appendicitis, soft and easily digestible foods can be consumed, and proactive anti-inflammatory or surgical treatments should be pursued. Post-surgery, it is important to rest in bed and use anti-infection medications timely to prevent infections.

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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.