What You Need To Do After Appendectomy

When diagnosed with appendicitis, most people will undergo appendectomy. After appendicitis, patients are usually advised to reduce their activities in order to speed up the recovery process. What else can be done to speed recovery? Appendicitis (appendicitis) is an inflammatory condition caused by infection that forms pus in the appendix (appendix). Pus buildup can spread to other organs and cause dangerous complications, such as peritonitis, if not treated immediately. Appendectomy is the standard treatment for this, and in certain cases, it is important to do it before the appendix ruptures and cause other more serious problems. There are two operating methods that can be applied, namely:

• Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is performed by making 1-3 small incisions in the lower right abdomen. After the incision is made, an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted into the incision to monitor the condition of the intestine and stomach cavity, and remove appendicitis.

• Open operation

Open surgery is done by making an incision in the lower right abdomen, 2-4 inches long. The appendix tissue is removed through the incision, then the incision is closed again.

Postoperative Recovery for Appendicitis

The recovery time after appendicitis can vary. This depends on the chosen surgical method, the type of anesthesia used, as well as the presence or absence of postoperative complications. However, you can do the following things to help the recovery process after appendicitis get faster:

• Make sure you get enough rest.
• Drink plenty of water, to prevent constipation after appendicitis.
• Avoid strenuous activity, 10 to 14 days after appendectomy.
• Avoid using clothing that has a rough and tight surface.
• Always wash hands before and after treating surgical wounds.
• Take care of personal hygiene, especially in the area around the appendix scars. Make sure the wound is always dry. The doctor will give instructions on how to take a shower without wetting the surgical wound.
• Incision after surgery can cause pain, especially after standing for a long time. The doctor will provide painkillers that must be consumed routinely to relieve the pain that appears on the scars from surgery. The doctor may give antibiotics so that the surgical wound is not infected.

In addition, patients should pay attention to the signs of infection in the appendix surgery incision wound. Consult a doctor if experiencing things like:

• Fever.
• Redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge from the surgical wound.
• Continuous pain in the surgical site.
• Gag.
• Loss of appetite or unable to eat and drink.
• Continuous cough, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath.
• Pain, cramps, or swelling in the stomach.
• Diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than 3 days.

Complications after appendicitis

Like other medical procedures, there are side effects that may occur after appendectomy. Here are some side effects that can occur:

• Infection of the wound

If the wound after appendicitis begins to ooze pus, the skin in the area of ​​the wound becomes red, warm, swollen, and increasingly painful, then there is a possibility you have an infection. This condition can be more serious if accompanied by fever. Call a doctor immediately to get medical treatment.

• Pus buildup (abscess)

Pus formation generally occurs in the appendix area that has been removed or in incised wounds. Pus forms when your body tries to control the infection. This causes painful lumps and can make you feel unwell. Abscesses can be treated using antibiotics. But in most cases, pus needs to be dried.

• Ileus

The condition of ileus occurs when there is a disruption in bowel movements caused by various factors. Ileus can appear after undergoing surgical procedures in the abdomen, including appendicitis. Symptoms of ileus include flatulence, pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty in passing stools or bowel movements.

• Intestinal adhesions

One of the complications that can occur after appendicitis is the formation of intestinal adhesions or adhesions with other parts of the intestine, abdominal cavity, or certain organs, such as the liver and uterus. This condition sometimes causes no symptoms, or causes symptoms but is not specific. Common symptoms of intestinal adhesions include abdominal bloating, pain, disturbed bowel movements, nausea, to pain during bowel movements.

Healing and postoperative recovery generally lasts for two to six weeks. During the healing period, the doctor will schedule a routine examination for the patient. Besides resting and taking medication, after undergoing appendicitis surgery, patients are also advised to consume nutritious food so that recovery can run smoothly.