How is appendicitis surgery done?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 26, 2025
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Appendicitis currently primarily involves two surgical methods. One is appendectomy via laparoscopy, and the other is the traditional method involving an incision at McBurney's point to remove the appendix. While the surgical methods differ, the principle behind the surgery is the same: in the abdominal cavity, the appendix is separated from the mesentery, then the appendiceal artery is ligated and the appendix is removed from the base. The stump is disinfected with iodine, and purse-string sutures are used to wrap the stump. If there is an appendiceal perforation causing diffuse peritonitis, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the pus from the abdominal cavity, then check that no surgical instruments are left inside before closing the abdomen. Postoperatively, the use of antibiotic medication depends on the patient's condition, and a minimum rest period of two weeks is required. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Acute appendicitis pain level

The pain of acute appendicitis is mainly abdominal pain. Currently, there are no available data for reference to understand the level of pain in appendicitis, and the pain associated with acute appendicitis is related to the individual's constitution and the extent of inflammation in the appendix. If the inflammation is mild, limited only to the serosal layer, then the pain is relatively mild and tolerable. If the inflammation is more extensive or involves pus formation, perforation, and affects the peritoneum, it leads to noticeable peritonitis and causes severe, knife-like pain, making the patient scared to move and covered in profuse sweat; the pain is quite severe. For acute appendicitis, surgery is currently advocated as the treatment method.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Acute appendicitis clinical features

Acute appendicitis generally presents primarily as abdominal pain, specifically migratory pain to the lower right abdomen. Initially, the patient may experience stomach pain, which gradually shifts to pain in the lower right abdomen. Whether it is appendicitis needs to be diagnosed by a physical examination by a doctor, or an ultrasound of the appendix during the acute phase can be performed. If the appendix appears significantly swollen on the ultrasound, it can also confirm the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Typically, the best treatment for acute appendicitis is surgery, especially if the condition is very severe and critical, as it may lead to perforation of the appendix and result in purulent peritonitis, which is very serious and life-threatening. Therefore, once diagnosed with acute appendicitis, it is best to be hospitalized for surgery.

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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Appendicitis surgery, how many days to discharge?

This is directly related to the surgical method. If it is a laparoscopic appendectomy, this is a minimally invasive treatment, and recovery is quick; patients generally can be discharged from the hospital three days post-surgery, and sutures can be removed at a scheduled follow-up visit. If it is the traditional surgery method through McBurney's point incision, this method also allows for quick recovery, and patients can be discharged after the sutures are removed. Additionally, this also relates to the patient's physique and the severity of their condition. For elderly patients, the hospital stay may be extended. If the appendix has a clear perforation or causes diffuse peritonitis, the use of antibiotics must be intensified post-surgery, hence extending the treatment period. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor)

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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.