Appendectomy Case

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of an infected appendix (appendicitis). While it is an emergency surgery, it is a fairly common procedure. If there is a suspected infection, the appendix must be removed so as it does not burst. In the case that the appendix bursts due to bounding appendicitis, the physician may elect to perform an open appendectomy as opposed to the less invasive laparoscopic. With an open appendectomy, an incision (roughly 2-4 inches long) is made in the lower right quadrant. The abdominal muscles will be separated and the abdominal area will be opened. The appendix will be tied off with stitches and then removed. In the case of a ruptured appendix the abdomen will be washed out with a saline solution. From then, the lining of the abdomen and the abdominal muscles will be stitched shut. …show more content…
A much less invasive method, it begins with tiny incisions being made for the laparoscope (which is equipped with a tiny video camera and surgical tools). From then, carbon dioxide will be used to swell the abdomen up so that the appendix and other organs will be easier to see and therefore, easier to identify. Once the laparoscope has been inserted, the doctors will use it to identify the appendix, tie it off with stitches and remove it through an incision. After the procedure is complete, the laparoscope and other tools will be removed. Through tiny incisions, the carbon dioxide will be released. With any surgery, there are risks with an appendectomy such as: wound infection, blocked bowels, bleeding, and possible injury to nearby organs (though less likely with the laparoscopic approach and the swelling of the other organs to easily identify the appendix and work solely with the appendix). With a laparoscopic approach, it should be noted that there is less recovery time, less infection chance, and a shorter stay at the hospital. Also to be noted: with both methods, there is minimal