What is an appendectomy?
The surgical removal of the appendix is called an appendectomy
How is an appendectomy done?
Open procedure-Traditionally, the appendix was removed through a larger incision in the right lower abdominal wall.
Laparoscopic appendectomies, surgeons operate through 3 small incisions (each 5-10mm) while watching an enlarged image of the patient’s internal organs on a television monitor. In some cases, one of the small openings may be lengthened to 2 or 3 inches to complete the procedure.
In a small number of patients, the laparoscopic method is not feasible because of the inability to visualize or handle the organs effectively. When the surgeon feels that it is safest to convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open one, this is not a complication, but rather sound surgical judgment in the interest of patient safety. Some of the reasons being, extensive infection, perforation, bleeding, or an inability to visualize organs.
What are the advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy?
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker return to bowel function and normal activity
- Quicker return to normal activity
- Better cosmetic results
Contraindications
Laparoscopic appendectomy is not performed if there is an advanced infection or the appendix has ruptured. A traditional, open procedure using a larger incision may be required to safely remove the infected appendix in these patients.
