The recovery period after appendectomy usually lasts a few weeks. At this time, you are advised to reduce activity and treat the surgical wound properly. This is done to speed up the recovery process, so you can return to your normal activities.
Appendicitis is a condition caused by infection and is characterized by the formation of pus in the appendix (appendix). The accumulated pus can spread to other organs and cause complications, such as peritonitis, if not treated immediately.
Types of Appendicitis Surgery
The main treatment step for this condition is appendectomy or appendectomy. This operation is performed by removing the infected appendix. In certain cases, surgery needs to be done immediately before the appendix ruptures and causes other more serious problems.
There are 2 operating methods that can be applied, namely:
Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is performed by making 1-3 small incisions in the lower right abdomen. After the incision is made, the doctor will insert an instrument called a laparoscope into the incision hole to monitor the condition of the intestines and abdominal cavity, and remove the appendix tissue.
Open operation
Open surgery is performed by making an incision in the lower right abdomen 2–4 inches long. Next, the doctor will remove the appendix tissue through the incision, then close it with stitches.
Appendicitis Postoperative Recovery
The length of recovery after appendectomy generally varies, depending on the surgical method chosen, the type of anesthesia used, and the presence or absence of postoperative complications.
However, you can do the following things to speed up the recovery process after appendicitis surgery:
- Get enough rest.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation after appendicitis surgery.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 10–14 days after appendectomy.
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight and have a rough surface.
- Wash hands before and after treating surgical wounds
- Always keep yourself clean, especially in the area around the appendix surgery scar. Make sure the stitches are always dry.
Cuts after surgery can be painful, especially when standing for too long. The doctor will give painkillers to relieve the pain that appears and antibiotics to prevent infection in the surgical site.
In addition, you also have to be more alert and pay attention to signs of infection that may occur in the surgical wound. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Throw up
- Swelling, bleeding, or discharge at the surgical wound
- Pain that doesn't go away in the surgical wound
- Loss of appetite or unable to eat and drink
- Persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath
- Cramps or swelling in the abdomen
- Diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than 3 days
Postoperative Complications of Appendicitis
Just like any other medical procedure, there are side effects that may occur after appendectomy. The following are some of the possible side effects:
1. Wound infection
Infected surgical wounds are generally characterized by the appearance of pus or the skin in the wound area becomes red, swollen, and painful. This condition needs to be treated immediately, especially if these symptoms are also accompanied by fever.
2. Accumulation of pus (abscess)
Pus generally forms when the body tries to control the infection. It is characterized by the appearance of painful lumps that can make the sufferer feel unwell.
In appendicitis, pus can form in the area of the appendix that has been removed or in the incision. Abscesses can be treated by taking antibiotics. However, in the majority of cases, the pus needs to be drained.
3. Ileus
Ileus is a disorder of bowel movements caused by various factors. Ileus can occur after undergoing surgical procedures on the abdomen, including appendectomy. Some of the symptoms of ileus, namely flatulence, pain, nausea, no appetite, and difficulty passing urine or bowel movements.
4. Intestinal adhesions
One of the complications that can occur after appendicitis surgery is the formation of adhesions or adhesions of the intestine with other parts of the intestine, abdominal cavity, or certain organs, such as the liver and uterus.
This condition is sometimes asymptomatic or causes specific symptoms. Symptoms of intestinal adhesions that commonly occur are abdominal bloating, pain, disturbed bowel movements, nausea, to pain during bowel movements. Healing and postoperative recovery generally lasts 2–6 weeks. During the healing period, the doctor will schedule regular check-ups for the patient.
In addition to resting and taking medication, patients are also advised to consume lots of fiber foods and water so that recovery can run smoothly. Immediately consult a doctor if complications are found during the recovery period to receive further treatment.