An Appendectomy is a surgery to remove a child’s appendix. The appendix is a small pouch that’s attached to the large intestine. It is on the lower right side of the abdomen. Doctors still don’t fully understand what the appendix does. What is known is that it makes proteins called immunoglobulins. These help fight infection in the body. It may actually serve as a reservoir for beneficial gut bacteria, according to researchers at Midwestern University in Arizona.
Sometimes the appendix becomes blocked. Mucus trapped inside can allow bacteria to grow. That can lead to infection and inflammation (appendicitis). This illness is very common in children, teens, and young adults. In this case, a child might need an appendectomy. An appendix that is inflamed can burst if it is not taken out. If that happens, the infection can spread throughout the belly (abdomen). It can cause a potentially dangerous health problem called peritonitis.
Risks of an Appendectomy include bleeding, infection, and issues with anesthesia. Other possible risks include leakage from the large intestine where the appendix was removed, the need for a longer hospital stay and antibiotics if the appendix has burst before the surgery. Also, there is a risk of injuries to nearby organs during surgery. There can be additional risks as well depending on the child’s health. The surgeon should be able to discuss your child’s personal health-related issues before surgery.
How an Appendectomy is Performed:
During an open procedure, the surgeon will make a cut into the skin and the fat underneath. The cut will be 1 to 2 inches long. Upon reaching the appendix, the surgeon will cut it loose and remove it. The surgeon will then close the opening in the intestine and the cut in the skin.
During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon will make a few small cuts in the abdomen. The surgeon will put a tiny camera through one cut so he or she can see the procedure on a video screen. The surgeon will put air into the abdomen through a tube to inflate the area so he or she can see better. The surgeon will then remove the appendix using small instruments. When finished, the surgeon will stitch up the opening in the intestine and any cuts in the skin.
If your child’s appendix has burst, a drainage tube may be left in the abdomen to drain away fluid. Sometimes, the surgeon may plan a laparoscopic surgery. But he or she may need to switch to an open surgery because it seems like a safer choice.
After an Appendectomy:
After the surgery, your child will go to a recovery room before being sent to a regular room. Some children may be able to go home from the recovery room. Your child will get pain medicine through the IV, then later by mouth.
Your child will be encouraged to get up and move around later that day or the next day. After laparoscopic surgery, your child may feel cramps or shoulder pain. This is referred pain from the air that was put into the abdomen. Children often go home a day or two after the surgery. If the appendix ruptured before the surgery, your child may need to stay in the hospital for up to a week. In these cases, your child may need IV antibiotics for a week or more.
Your child should not do any physical activities until the surgeon says it’s safe. This will usually be at a follow-up visit. Follow your doctor’s directions on bathing and taking care of the incision.
Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child has:
- A fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C), or as directed by the healthcare provider
- Abdominal swelling
- Green or yellow drainage from any incision
- Pain that gets worse as hours or days pass
- Redness or swelling around the incision
- Sluggishness
- Vomiting
If you are concerned about scarring, there are many pictures of patients who have had the procedure done on the internet. Over time, the scar will heal and should be less noticeable. Ask your doctor about how to care for the surgery site and minimalize scarring.