Appendectomy is a surgery to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch that attaches to the large intestine. The appendix sometimes gets blocked and becomes infected and swollen. Signs of an infected appendix include abdominal pain in the lower right side, fever, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. If the appendix bursts, it can make you very sick. To do this surgery, the doctor will make 1 to 3 small incisions or cuts in the abdomen (belly).

To Prepare

• Tell your doctor what medicines and dosages your child is taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs.
• If your child has any allergies to medicines, foods, or other things, tell the staff.
• A nurse will give you eating and drinking directions.
• Have your child bring a favorite comfort object with them. This could be a toy, a pacifier, or a blanket.
• If you know you are having this surgery ahead of time, talk to your child about it. Tell them as much as they can understand and let them ask questions. Stay calm and confident. Children can sense your feelings.

During Surgery

• Your child will wear a hospital gown.
• An IV (intravenous line) is put into a vein for giving medicine and fluids.
• Your child will be given medicine, so he or she will sleep through the surgery.
• The medicine will be given through the IV or a face mask.
• The abdomen is cleaned and sheets are put over your child to keep the surgery area clean.
• Incisions are made in your child’s abdomen.
• The appendix is removed.
• The incisions are then closed with:
  • Gauze and tape dressing
  • Steri-Strips™, a special tape
  • Dermabond®, a special glue
• A transparent dressing, called Opsite, or bandages may be placed over the wounds.

After Surgery

In Hospital

Your child is taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and watched closely until they wake up and are doing well.

• Your child’s breathing, blood pressure, and pulse are checked often.
• Your doctor will talk to you about your child’s surgery.
• Your child will need to get up and walk around after surgery. This helps “wake up” the bowels and helps with your child’s breathing and blood flow.
• Your child may be able to go home the same day as surgery if they can walk, pain is controlled by medicine taken by mouth, and they can drink clear liquids.

At Home

• Your child should get plenty of rest.
• Give medicines as directed by your doctor.
• Call your child’s doctor’s office to schedule a follow-up visit.
• Follow the instructions given to you on how to care for your child’s incisions.
  • Steri-Strips™: The tapes will fall off on their own. Do not remove them unless the doctor says it is okay.
  • Dermabond®: The glue will loosen in 1 to 2 weeks from your child’s skin as the wounds heal. Do not remove it or put ointments or creams on it.
  • Opsite: Leave this dressing in place. It will fall off on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. Do not remove it unless your child’s doctor says it is okay.
• Your child may take a shower or sponge bath. Do not let your child take a tub bath or swim for 1 week after surgery.
• Carefully wash the incisions with soap and water and pat dry.
• Your child may need to do deep breathing and coughing exercises to keep the lungs clear.
• Your child should not lift objects over 10 pounds or play competitive sports for 2 weeks after surgery.
• Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse about other activity limits. Your child should be able to return to normal activities in about 2 to 3 days.

When to Call the Doctor

• Incision becomes red.
• Incision becomes more tender or swollen.
• Child vomits more than 1 time.
• Child can’t have a bowel movement (poop).
• Incision begins to pull apart.
• There is new drainage around the incision.
• Child’s stomach is distended (full and firm) and it is painful.
• Child’s pain can’t be controlled by the medicine they were told to take.
• Child has a fever over 100.8º Fahrenheit (F) or 38.2º Celsius (C).

Conclusion:

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

Reference:

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Disclaimer:

This report provides general health information, not professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for any questions regarding your medical condition.