Appendectomy - Post Operative Care
After surgery the patient is taken to a surgical recovery area where they are taken care of till the effect of anesthesia wears off.
- The doctors and staff will maintain a constant vigil on the Pulse rate, breathing and temperature.
- The patient is transferred to their bed on the ward or separate room once their vital statistics are normal and the effect of anesthesia wears off.
If the patient has undergone operation for an unruptured appendix their recovery is far quicker.
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- Clear fluids are given the next morning and if it is tolerated then solid food can be started and intra-venous (IV) fluids stopped.
- The patient can start small physical activities like walking to the toilet immediately or by the next morning.
- The doctors and staff monitor for infection. If the incision is healing well, the patient can leave in 2-3 days.
- Once at home, care should be taken that the wound is completely dry and clean.
- If patient feels any fever or increased pain they should contact the surgeon immediately.
- Normal activity can be started in a few days but full recovery takes 4-6 weeks.
- The open procedure leaves a scar on the lower right side of the abdomen. This is normal and the scar fades over time. In girls the cut is so made that the scar hides below their inner wear.
- Scarring from laparoscopic appendectomy is minimal.
If the patient undergoes operation for a ruptured appendix then the recovery time is longer, as infection must be treated.
- The drain remains till the pus or fluids stops draining.
- IV antibiotics are given throughout the stay.
- After discharge oral antibiotics are given, and the patient is instructed to take proper care of the drain and gauge pack.
- It is important for the patient to note any increase in pus or infection and report to the surgeon immediately.
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Advice on Discharge is usually rest for a week or two with a few pain killers and sometimes an extended course of antibiotics.
