Appendix Surgery (Appendectomy) Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. It is performed as an emergency procedure when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected — a condition called appendicitis. If untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture (burst), leading to peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the abdominal cavity. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, we perform laparoscopic appendectomy as the preferred approach — a minimally invasive technique using 3 small incisions (5–10 mm each) and a camera. Dr. Rajesh Kanungo, with 34 years of experience, FMAS, FIAGES qualifications, and advanced laparoscopic training from IRCAD Strasbourg, France, leads our emergency surgical team. Our 24/7 emergency department ensures patients with acute appendicitis receive prompt diagnosis and surgery.

Who Needs Appendix Surgery (Appendectomy)?

• •Patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis — presenting with pain starting around the navel and shifting to the lower right abdomen
• •Individuals with appendicitis symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite along with right lower abdominal tenderness
• •Patients with imaging (ultrasound or CT) confirming an inflamed or swollen appendix
• •Patients with a ruptured appendix requiring emergency surgery to prevent or treat peritonitis
• •Individuals with recurrent appendicitis episodes where interval appendectomy is recommended

How to Prepare

1. 1Emergency blood tests including complete blood count (elevated WBC confirms infection), CRP, and basic metabolic panel
2. 2Ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen to confirm diagnosis and rule out other causes of abdominal pain
3. 3IV antibiotics are started immediately upon diagnosis to control infection before surgery
4. 4Nothing by mouth (NPO) — fasting is required before surgery; IV fluids are given to maintain hydration
5. 5Inform the surgical team of any allergies, medications, or previous abdominal surgeries

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1General anaesthesia is administered and the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create working space
2. 2Three small incisions (5–10 mm) are made — one near the navel, one in the lower left abdomen, and one in the suprapubic area
3. 3A laparoscope (camera) is inserted to visualise the appendix and surrounding structures on a monitor
4. 4The blood supply to the appendix (mesoappendix) is sealed using an energy device and divided
5. 5The base of the appendix is secured with clips or an endoloop, divided, and the appendix is removed through one of the port sites
6. 6The abdominal cavity is irrigated if there is pus or contamination, the ports are removed, and incisions are closed with sutures

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓Most patients are able to drink liquids within a few hours after surgery and eat soft food by the next day
• ✓Hospital stay is typically 1–2 days for uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy; ruptured cases may need 3–5 days
• ✓You can walk the same day as surgery; early mobilisation helps prevent blood clots and speeds recovery
• ✓Return to desk work within 1 week and physical work within 2–3 weeks after laparoscopic surgery
• ✓Keep the small incisions clean and dry; stitches are usually absorbable or removed at the follow-up visit in 7–10 days
• ✓Contact the hospital immediately if you develop high fever, worsening abdominal pain, redness around incisions, or vomiting after discharge

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Wound infection at the port sites — minimised with antibiotics and proper wound care
• ⚠Intra-abdominal abscess — may develop if the appendix was ruptured; treated with antibiotics and sometimes drainage
• ⚠Bleeding from the mesoappendix or port sites — rare with careful surgical technique
• ⚠Injury to adjacent organs (bowel, bladder) — very rare in experienced hands
• ⚠Conversion to open surgery — occasionally needed if the appendix is severely stuck due to inflammation; this occurs in less than 5% of cases

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions