Appendectomy is the most common treatment to remove an inflamed appendicitis. Depending on the patient’s condition, this procedure can be performed using laparoscopic techniques or open procedures. 

If appendicitis is acute, an appendectomy must be performed immediately. If not removed, this condition can cause the appendix to burst, which can be fatal. 

What is an ​​Appendectomy?

An appendectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the appendix, a small pouch located near the junction of the small and large intestines. Appendectomies are most commonly performed in cases of appendicitis, which occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected.

The procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy. In laparoscopic appendectomy, small incisions are made, a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions to remove the appendix. The ideal kind for you will be decided by your surgeon.

Who Will Need Appendectomy?

Appendectomy is typically recommended for individuals diagnosed with appendicitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the appendix. While appendicitis can occur at any age, it is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 30.

The most initial symptom of appendectomy are:

• pain around the lower right side of your belly. 
• bloating. 
• diarrhea. 
• constipation. 
• vomiting. 
• nausea. 
• loss of appetite.
• fever. 

What Happens Before Appendectomy?

Before undergoing an appendectomy, several steps are typically taken to prepare the patient for the surgery. 

These steps may vary slightly depending on the hospital or surgical center's protocols and the individual patient's medical condition, but generally include the following:

• You will undergo a thorough medical evaluation, which may include a physical examination, review of medical history, and discussion of symptoms.
• Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the appendectomy procedure with the patient, including potential complications, anesthesia risks, and expected outcomes.
• You will be asked to provide informed consent for the surgery, indicating that they understand the purpose of the procedure, its potential risks and benefits, and alternatives to surgery. 
• You will receive instructions from the healthcare team regarding preoperative preparations. This may include guidelines on fasting before surgery (typically no food or drink after midnight on the night before the surgery), medications to avoid before surgery, and any specific preparations for patients with underlying medical conditions.

By following these preparatory steps, healthcare providers aim to ensure that the patient is adequately prepared for the appendectomy procedure and to optimize the safety and success of the surgery. It's essential for patients to follow their healthcare provider's instructions closely and to communicate any questions or concerns they may have before undergoing surgery.

Appendectomy Procedure

Appendectomy is a procedure that may be performed at a hospital. Your doctor will ask you to remove your jewelry and change your clothes into a hospital gown. 

Then, general anesthetic will be given while you lie on your back. In order to avoid muscle spasms, you will also be prescribed a muscle relaxant. 

To keep an open airway and track your breathing, a tiny tube will be inserted into your mouth and into your throat. Throughout the procedure, your anesthesiologist will keep a constant eye on your vital signs.

The procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy. The degree of your appendicitis and your medical background are two things that will determine what kind of surgery you need.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Doctor will make a few tiny incisions to access your appendix during a laparoscopic appendectomy. Your stomach is inflated with carbon dioxide by use of a cannula, which is a tiny, narrow tube. They can view your appendix more clearly because of the gas.

A laparoscope, a long thin tube with a camera and strong light at the front, will be inserted via the incision by the surgeon once your abdomen has been inflated. 

Your abdomen can be seen by the surgeon thanks to the camera's image presentation on a screen. It is removed and your appendix is closed off with stitches. After cleaning, dressing, and closure, the little incisions are finished.

Generally, laparoscopic appendectomy is less risky and requires less recovery time than open appendectomy.

Open Appendectomy

An open appendectomy involves a single abdominal incision on the lower right side. After the appendix is removed, the incision is sutured shut.

In the case that your appendix bursts, this treatment enables the physician to clean the abdominal cavity.

• when an appendix ruptures and the infection spreads to other organs.
• you had abdominal surgery previously.
• when your appendix bursts, there is a bulge known as an appendix mass.

How Long Does the Appendectomy Process?

The duration of an appendectomy procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the surgical approach used, the complexity of the case, and any unforeseen complications that may arise during surgery. 

However, on average, an appendectomy typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

What Are the Risks of Appendectomy?

Following an appendectomy, some potential side effects include:

• nausea.
• constipation. 
• bloating.

Although uncommon, complications can occur. Among them are:

• bleeding.
• wound infection.
• abdominal swelling, redness, and infection that can happen if the appendix bursts during surgery (peritonitis).
• constricted bowels.
• damage to organs nearby.

What Can You Expect After Appendectomy?

Following your appendectomy, you will be monitored by your medical team for a few hours. 

Your heart and breathing rates, among other vital indications, will be constantly observed by them. Additionally, they will monitor for any anesthetic or procedure-related responses.

Your length of stay in the hospital will be determined by:

• your general well-being.
• whether your intestines erupt.
• if you are undergoing laparoscopic or open surgery.
• how the operation affects your body.
• you might be able to leave the hospital the same day as your procedure if your appendicitis isn't too serious.

You will require a driver to take you home if you are given general anesthesia. Driving following general anesthesia might be risky because the effects typically take several hours to wear off.

How Much Does an Appendectomy Cost in Indonesia?

The estimated average for appendectomy in Indonesia costs from IDR 8.000.000 to more than IDR 45.000.000.

At Bali International Hospital, The Sanur, we believe that wellness is unrivaled in healing your body, mind, and soul. Hence, as one of the centers of excellence, our hospital is committed to prioritizing your health by offering comprehensive assessments and treatments.

Our services include preventive care, early detection, diagnostics, and treatment of a wide range of digestive problems with unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge medical technology right in the heart of Bali.

Enjoy the most excellent experience in medicine. Find out the details of this medical process and schedule a consultation so that you may schedule high-quality care that suits your needs.

References:

Clinic, C. (2021). Appendectomy (Appendix Removal Surgery): Preparation & Procedure. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21922-appendectomy

Watson, S. (2012, August 15). What You Need to Know About Appendectomy. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/appendectomy#recovery

Appendectomy. (2019, August 14). Hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/appendectomy