Day of appendicectomy

Overview

The day of an appendicectomy (also called appendectomy) is the day you have surgery to remove your appendix. This is usually done as an emergency because the appendix is inflamed (appendicitis).

Yes, appendectomy is a very common surgery. Many people have their appendix removed at some point.

It can affect anyone, but it is most common in people aged 10 to 30.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Swollen belly

Symptoms in children

• May not have typical pain location
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Lethargy (low energy)

Symptoms in older adults

• Less severe pain than younger people
• Feeling generally unwell
• Constipation or gas-like pain
• Confusion

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of appendicitis is not always clear. It often happens when the opening to the appendix gets blocked, usually by a small piece of stool, a foreign object, or an infection.

Risk factors

• Age (most common in teens and young adults)
• Family history of appendicitis
• Being male (slightly higher risk)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden, sharp pain in your lower right belly
• Pain that gets worse when you move, cough, or sneeze
• Pain along with vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild belly pain that comes and goes for more than a day
• Previous episodes of appendicitis that resolved without surgery

Diagnosis

Doctors use your symptoms, a physical exam, and tests to diagnose appendicitis.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for infection
• Urine tests to rule out other problems
• Ultrasound or CT scan of your belly to see the appendix

What to expect at your appointment

You will be examined by a doctor who presses on your belly. You may need to have blood taken and have an imaging test. If appendicitis is likely, you will be admitted to hospital for surgery.

Treatment

The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendicectomy. This can be done as a keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery or open surgery.

Self-care at home

• Do not eat or drink anything once you are told to prepare for surgery
• Arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure
• Follow the hospital's instructions for showering and wound care

Medical treatments

Surgery is the main treatment. Before surgery, you may receive antibiotics to treat infection. Pain relief will be given during and after the operation.

When is surgery considered?

Appendectomy is usually done as soon as possible after diagnosis, to prevent the appendix from bursting.

Living with this condition

After surgery, you will spend a few hours in recovery. Most people stay in hospital for 1–2 nights. You may feel tired and sore for a few days.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few weeks
• Gradually increase activity as you feel better
• Follow your doctor's advice about returning to work or school

Diet and exercise

Start with clear liquids after surgery, then slowly add solid foods as your bowels start working again. Light walking can help recovery, but avoid running or lifting for at least 2 weeks.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious about surgery or worried about recovery. Talk to your healthcare team if you feel overwhelmed.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent appendicitis. Eating a high-fibre diet may lower the risk slightly, but this is not proven.

Complications

If left untreated

• The appendix can burst (rupture), causing a serious infection in the belly called peritonitis
• An abscess (collection of pus) can form
• Infection can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis)

Long-term outlook

Most people recover fully from appendectomy with few problems. If treated early, the risk of serious complications is very low. Even if the appendix has burst, with proper treatment most people get better.

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