An appendectomy, also termed appendicectomy, is a surgical operation in which the vermiform appendix (a portion of the intestine) is removed. An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix when it is infected. This condition is called appendicitis. Appendectomy is a common emergency surgery.

The appendix is a thin pouch that is attached to the large intestine. It sits in the lower right part of your belly. If you have appendicitis, your appendix must be removed right away. If not treated, your appendix can burst. This is a medical emergency.

However, the purpose of this surgical procedure is to remove the inflamed appendix resulting in the recovery from diarrhoea, inflammation, and infections of the small and large intestines. Surprisingly, our body can perform perfectly even without an appendix.

Why is an Appendectomy Important?

When an appendix becomes swollen or inflamed, the bacteria start growing rapidly inside the organ that leads to the formation of the puss. The presence of pus in the organ can be highly painful and may spread to the lower right section of the abdomen. It can also cause diarrhea, coughing, nausea, and vomiting. If the condition is left untreated, the appendix may also burst and release harmful substances into the abdominal cavity that can be life-threatening. Therefore, appendectomy becomes important at this stage to treat the problem right away.

What are the symptoms of Appendicitis?

The symptoms of the appendicitis included the following:

• Stomach Pain That Starts Suddenly Near The Belly Button And Spreads To The Lower Side Of The Abdomen
• Abdominal Swelling
• Rigid Abdominal Muscles
• Nausea And Vomiting
• Loss Of Appetite
• Low Grade Fever

How is an Appendectomy Performed?

There are two types of an Appendectomy:

1. Open Appendectomy:

During this procedure, the doctor makes an incision in the lower side of your right abdomen. The doctor removes your appendix and closes the wound with stitches. Your doctor may choose an open appendectomy if your appendix has been ruptured and the infection has spread to the nearby organs.

2. Laparoscopic Appendectomy:

During a laparoscopic appendectomy, a surgeon accesses the appendix through a few small incisions in your abdomen. 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 stitches 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.  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 stitches 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?

After an Appendectomy, your doctor will closely monitor your breathing and heart rate. However, your stay at the hospital will depend upon your physical condition after the surgery.

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 and 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 is 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 will need to attend a follow-up appointment with your doctor within two to three weeks after the appendectomy.