Saint Paul University Philippines

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

A DISEASE STUDY ON

Appendectomy
 Purpose
 Risks
 Preparation
 Procedure
 Recovery

SUBMITTED BY: Bryan Kristoffer A. Leguiab

SUBMITTED TO: Mrs. Joann Sera, RN, MSN

What Is an Appendectomy?
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. It’s a common
emergency surgery that’s performed to treat appendicitis, an inflammatory
condition of the appendix.

The appendix is a small, tube-shaped pouch attached to your large intestine. It’s
located in the lower right side of your abdomen. The exact purpose of the
appendix isn’t known. However, it’s believed that it may help us recover from
diarrhea, inflammation, and infections of the small and large intestines. These
may sound like important functions, but the body can still function properly
without an appendix.

When the appendix becomes inflamed and swollen, bacteria can quickly multiply
inside the organ and lead to the formation of pus. This buildup of bacteria and
pus can cause pain around the belly button that spreads to the lower right
section of the abdomen. Walking or coughing can make the pain worse. You may
also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It’s important to seek treatment right away if you’re having symptoms of

appendicitis. When the condition goes untreated, the appendix can burst
(perforated appendix) and release bacteria and other harmful substances into the
abdominal cavity. This can be life-threatening, and will lead to a longer hospital
stay.

Appendectomy is the standard treatment for appendicitis. It’s crucial to remove

the appendix right away, before the appendix can rupture. Once an
appendectomy is performed, most people recover quickly and without
complications.
Why Is an Appendectomy Performed?
An appendectomy is often done to remove the appendix when an infection has
made it inflamed and swollen. This condition is known as appendicitis. The
infection may occur when the opening of the appendix becomes clogged with
bacteria and stool. This causes your appendix to become swollen and inflamed.

The easiest and quickest way to treat appendicitis is to remove the appendix.
Your appendix could burst if appendicitis isn’t treated immediately and
effectively. If the appendix ruptures, the bacteria and fecal particles within the
organ can spread into your abdomen. This may lead to a serious infection called
peritonitis. You can also develop an abscess if your appendix ruptures. Both are
life-threatening situations that require immediate surgery.

Symptoms of appendicitis include:

 stomach pain that starts suddenly near the belly button and spreads to the
lower right side of the abdomen

 abdominal swelling

 rigid abdominal muscles

 constipation or diarrhea

 nausea

 vomiting

 loss of appetite

 low-grade fever

Although pain from appendicitis typically occurs in the lower right side of the
abdomen, pregnant women may have pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
This is because the appendix is higher during pregnancy.
Go to the emergency room immediately if you believe you have appendicitis. An
appendectomy needs to be performed right away to prevent complications.

What Are the Risks of an Appendectomy?

An appendectomy is a fairly simple and common procedure. However, there are
some risks associated with the surgery, including:

 bleeding

 infection

 injury to nearby organs

 blocked bowels

It’s important to note that the risks of an appendectomy are much less severe
than the risks associated with untreated appendicitis. An appendectomy needs to
be done immediately to prevent abscesses and peritonitis from developing.

How Do I Prepare for an Appendectomy?

You’ll need to avoid eating and drinking for at least eight hours before the
appendectomy. It’s also important to tell your doctor about any prescription or
over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Your doctor will tell you how they
should be used before and after the procedure.

You should also tell your doctor if you:

 are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant

 are allergic or sensitive to latex or certain medications, such as anesthesia

 have a history of bleeding disorders

You should also arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after the
procedure. An appendectomy is often performed using general anesthesia, which
can make you drowsy and unable to drive for several hours after surgery.

Once you’re at the hospital, your doctor will ask you about your medical history
and perform a physical examination. During the exam, your doctor will gently
push against your abdomen to pinpoint the source of your abdominal pain.

Your doctor may order blood tests and imaging tests if appendicitis is caught
early. However, these tests may not be performed if your doctor believes an
emergency appendectomy is necessary.

Before the appendectomy, you’ll be hooked up to an IV so you can receive fluids

and medication. You’ll likely be put under general anesthesia, which means you’ll
be asleep during surgery. In some cases, you’ll be given local anesthesia instead.
A local anesthetic numbs the area, so even though you’ll be awake during the
surgery, you won’t feel any pain.

How Is an Appendectomy Performed?

There are two types of appendectomy: open and laparoscopic. The type of
surgery your doctor chooses depends on several factors, including the severity
of your appendicitis and your medical history.

Open Appendectomy

During an open appendectomy, a surgeon makes one incision in the lower right
side of your abdomen. Your appendix is removed and the wound is closed with
stiches. This procedure allows your doctor to clean the abdominal cavity if your
appendix has burst.
Your doctor may choose an open appendectomy if your appendix has ruptured
and the infection has spread to other organs. It’s also the preferred option for
people who have had abdominal surgery in the past.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

During a laparoscopic appendectomy, a surgeon accesses the appendix through

a few small incisions in your abdomen. A small, narrow tube called a cannula will
then be inserted. The cannula is used to inflate your abdomen with carbon
dioxide gas. This gas allows the surgeon to see your appendix more clearly.

Once the abdomen is inflated, an instrument called a laparoscope will be inserted

through the incision. The laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high-intensity
light and a high-resolution camera at the front. The camera will display the
images on a screen, allowing the surgeon to see inside your abdomen and guide
the instruments. When the appendix is found, it will be tied off with stiches and
removed. The small incisions are then cleaned, closed, and dressed.

Laparoscopic surgery is usually the best option for older adults and people who
are overweight. It has fewer risks than an open appendectomy procedure, and
generally has a shorter recovery time.

What Happens After an Appendectomy?

When the appendectomy is over, you’ll be observed for several hours before
you’re released from the hospital. Your vital signs, such your breathing and heart
rate, will be monitored closely. Hospital staff will also check for any adverse
reactions to the anesthesia or the procedure.

The timing of your release will depend on:

 your overall physical condition

 the type of appendectomy performed

 your body’s reaction to the surgery

In some cases, you may have to remain in the hospital overnight.

You may be able to go home the same day as the surgery if your appendicitis
wasn’t severe. A family member or friend will need to drive you home if you
received general anesthesia. The effects of general anesthesia usually take
several hours to wear off, so it can be unsafe to drive after the procedure.

In the days following the appendectomy, you may feel moderate pain in the areas
where incisions were made. Any pain or discomfort should improve within a few
days. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve the pain. They might also
prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection after surgery. You can further reduce
your risk for infection by keeping the incisions clean. You should also watch for
signs of infection, which include:

 redness and swelling around the incision

 fever above 101°F

 chills

 vomiting

 loss of appetite

 stomach cramps

 diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than two days

Although there’s a small risk of infection, most people recover from appendicitis
and an appendectomy with little difficulty. Full recovery from an appendectomy
takes about four to six weeks. During this time, your doctor will probably
recommend that you limit physical activity so your body can heal. You’ll need to
attend a follow-up appointment with your doctor within two to three weeks after
the appendectomy.