Guide To Appendicitis Treatment And Recovery

Pain Medication

Prescription pain medication is typically provided to patients who have had an appendectomy, though some might choose to take over-the-counter pain relievers during their recovery. Patients should ensure they follow all instructions when taking any medication, and it is crucial to avoid exceeding the recommended dosage. Since some prescription pain relievers could cause dizziness or drowsiness, patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery while on these medicines. Individuals who opt to use over-the-counter medicines should avoid taking more than one type of medicine that contains acetaminophen. Patients who experience an upset stomach while taking pain relievers might want to ask their doctor about whether it is okay to take their medication after a meal. All patients should inform their healthcare team if they have pain that persists or worsens despite the use of pain relievers.

Abscess Drainage

One serious potential complication from appendicitis is when an abscess, a pocket of pus, forms in the abdomen. This occurs when the appendix bursts and the pus floods the rest of the patient's system. A burst appendix is a life-threatening medical emergency. An abscess must be drained by a skilled surgeon. In the majority of cases, the surgeon will insert a tube into the abscess by cutting through the abdominal wall. This allows them to drain the pus from the abdominal cavity so it doesn't interfere with other organs. Rather than being completed in one surgery, the tube is kept in the abdomen for around two weeks. Patients will be prescribed a course of antibiotics to help clear the infection out of their system. When an abscess forms, it must be drained in emergency surgery before an appendectomy can be scheduled.