Laparoscopic Appendectomy
What causes it?
The appendix is a small narrow tube that branches off the large intestine. The lumen can become blocked, trapping bacteria in the appendix, leading to inflammation and appendicitis.
What are the symptoms?
Patients often have pain around their belly button which moves to the right lower part of their belly. They have no appetite and often have nausea and vomiting.
How is it Diagnosed?
A complete history and physical is performed, as well as blood work. Often this is enough to diagnose appendicitis. Sometimes a CT scan is performed to confirm the diagnosis or to be sure no other disease is causing the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment Options
The appendix is then removed using a camera through the belly button as well as two other small incisions. Depending on how advanced the infection is, the patient is kept on antibiotics. If the infection is very advanced, the operation may be delayed while the patient receives antibiotics for several weeks. After the infection has improved, a laparoscopic appendectomy is performed.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective treatment for appendicitis. However, in the presence of infection, adhesions, or variations in anatomy, this method becomes dangerous and your surgeon may need to make the prudent decision to continue by making the traditional incision to safely complete the operation. This should not be seen as a failure, but as a wise decision by your surgeon to prevent dangerous complications. Other complications, although rare, include bleeding and infection. It is extremely uncommon to require a blood transfusion for this operation.
This operation is generally performed with general anesthesia. An IV line will be placed in your arm for fluids and you will be brought into the operation room. The anesthesiologist and nurses will use monitors to check your heart rate and breathing during the procedure. These may include EKG leads, a blood pressure cuff, an oxygen mask and sleeves on your legs to prevent clots from forming.
Once you are asleep, the operating room team will work together to perform your operation. When your operation is complete, you will be awakened from anesthesia in the operating room but you may not remember this. After a few hours in the recovery room, the nurses will help you out of bed and give you something to drink. It is common to feel groggy and nauseated soon after surgery and medication is available to help with these discomforts. This information is not intended to replace a visit with your physician.
This information is not intended to replace a visit with your physician. If you have further questions, please call 614-293-3230.