Pieter Tanis^*
*Correspondence: Pieter Tanis, Department of Surgery, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Email:

Description

An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove an appendix. Appendectomy is a standard surgical procedure for appendicitis, a painful inflammation of the appendix. Because the inflamed appendix has the potential to rupture, appendicitis is considered a medical emergency. A broken appendix can be very dangerous. A healthy appendix, on the other hand, does not appear to play an important role in the digestive system.

The fastest and easiest process to treat appendicitis is to remove the appendix. Your appendix may explode if appendicitis is not treated quickly and effectively. When the appendix ruptures, germs and faeces inside the organ can spread to your stomach. This can cause to a serious infection called peritonitis. You can reopen the abscess if your appendix ruptures. Both are life-threatening conditions that require immediate surgery. Symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Abdominal pain that starts suddenly near the abdomen and spreads to the lower right side of the abdomen

• Inflammation of the abdomen

• Strong abdominal muscles

• onstipation or diarrhoea

• Nausea

• V omiting

• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever Although the pain of appendicitis usually occurs in the lower right side of the abdomen, pregnant women may experience pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. This is because the appendix is high during pregnancy.

Risks of an appendectomy

Appendectomy is a simple and common procedure. However, there are certain risks associated with surgery, including:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Damage to nearby organs

• Blocked bowels

It is important to note that the risks of appendectomy are much lower than the risks associated with untreated appendicitis. Appendectomy needs immediate attention to prevent abscesses and peritonitis in growth.

Types

Open appendectomy: During open appendectomy, the surgeon performs one incision on the lower right side of your abdomen. After removal of appendix the wound is closed with stitches. This procedure allows your doctor to clean the abdominal cavity in case your appendix ruptures.

Your doctor may choose open appendectomy if your appendix ruptures and the infection has spread to other organs. And it is the preferred method for people who have had abdominal surgery in the past.

Laparoscopic appendectomy: During laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon reaches out to the appendix through small incisions in your abdomen. A small narrow tube called a cannula will then be inserted. A cannula is used to warm your stomach with carbon dioxide gas. This gas helps the surgeon to see your appendix clearly.

Once the abdomen is inflated, a device called a laparoscope will be inserted through the incision. The laparoscope is a long, narrow tube with a high light and a camera with high adjustment in the front. The camera will display images on the screen, allowing the surgeon to see inside your abdomen and direct the instruments. When the appendix is found, it will be tied off with stiches and removed. The small incisions are then cleaned and dressed.

Laparoscopic surgery is usually the best option for adults and overweight people. It has fewer risks than open appendectomy procedure, and usually has a shorter recovery time.