Guide To An Appendix Removal And Recovery

Surgical Risks And Complications

An appendectomy carries risks and complications like all other surgical procedures. Around three percent of all individuals who undergo an appendix removal surgery have an intestinal obstruction as a postoperative complication. An intestinal obstruction stops the passage of gas, fluid, and stool through the patient's intestines and requires urgent treatment. Between eight and ten percent of all pregnant patients who undergo an appendectomy will go into premature labor as a postoperative complication. Approximately two percent of pregnant patients who have an appendix removal surgery will experience fetal loss. Four percent of patients who have a procedure to remove their appendix via open surgery will encounter wound infection. Two percent of patients who undergo a laparoscopic procedure to remove their appendix will experience wound infection. Less than one percent of patients who have an appendix removal surgery develop a blood clot, heart attack, pneumonia, or urinary tract infection.

What Recovery Looks Like

Some aspects of recovery depend on the type of appendectomy patients have. A laparoscopic surgery tends to have a shorter recovery time and fewer risks than an open procedure. Following the surgery, patients will be observed for a few hours to make sure they're recovering from the anesthesia safely. The exact amount of time patients spend in the hospital after surgery will vary from case to case. Some patients might go home on the same day, while others might need to stay at the hospital overnight. An overnight stay is more likely for individuals who have a bad anesthesia reaction or poor physical health. Patients will need a friend or family member to drive them home. After the appendectomy, there might be moderate pain around the incisions. However, discomfort and pain should get better after a couple of days. Painkillers might be prescribed, along with antibiotics to prevent infection.