Surgery For Appendicitis (Emergency of Routine)
The patient is sedated and anaesthetized using General anesthesia, sometimes regional anesthesia like spinal or epidural maybe used.
A small incision (about 2-3 inches) is made in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, and the appendix is removed.
If the surgeon feels the appendix has ruptured or infection has spread, then he would thoroughly wash the abdomen. The surgeon will also leave a small tube to drain fluids and pus.
Sometimes when the diagnosis is in doubt, frequently in women, the procedure is done by Exploratory Laparotomy. This can mean a bigger incision.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy: In this procedure, a small camera with a thin telescope is used to view the inside of the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopy is now replacing most of the open surgical procedures. Preference of open or Laparoscopic surgery may also depend on the experience of the Surgeon and his or her preference. Sometimes the general condition of the patient may not be good enough for this keyhole surgery.
