Appendix Surgery

The appendix is a small tube connected to the colon that often becomes inflamed. This inflammation is known as appendicitis and it occurs when bacteria inside the appendix multiply at an above average rate.

For those suffering with appendicitis, appendix surgery is the best method of treatment for relieving the symptoms associated with the inflammation and is necessary to stop the appendix from rupturing and spreading an infection throughout the body.
If your doctor has decided that removal of the appendix is necessary, there are two different types of procedures available:

1. Laparomatomy: This is the traditional procedure for removing the appendix and is performed by making one large incision in the abdomen and removing the appendix. This procedure is usually necessary when an abscess is present or if the appendix has ruptured prior to surgery.
2. Laparoscopy: Laparoscopic appendectomy is another procedure for appendix removal and involves making several small incisions in the abdomen. During the procedure, the surgeon will insert several specialized tools and a small camera through the incisions and perform the surgery with the aid of a monitor that allows for a view inside the body.

Recovery time depends on the condition of the appendix before the patient went into surgery. If the appendix ruptured and the infection spread to the rest of the body, then a longer hospital stay is required as the infection is managed. In most cases, however, recovery time is between one to three weeks with care being taken to avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting. 

While appendicitis itself is not particularly dangerous, the condition can become a major health hazard if left untreated. If the appendix ruptures, infection can spread to the rest of the body and result in severe illness.  In order to prevent that outcome, removal of the appendix often is necessary as soon as inflammation is detected and appendicitis is diagnosed. 

The surgeons at The Longstreet Clinic are highly trained at surgically treating appendicitis and are able to perform the necessary procedures effectively and efficiently to ensure that the condition is stabilized and its effects minimized.