An appendectomy is a fairly straightforward surgical procedure to remove an inflamed or infected appendix, a condition known as appendicitis.
Without surgery, the appendix can rupture, spilling infectious material into the bloodstream and abdomen, which can be life-threatening.
The surgeon inserts a tiny camera and surgical instruments through the holes, using the video to guide them.
Carbon dioxide gas is used to swell the abdomen so the appendix and other organs can be easily identified. The surgeon finds the appendix, then stitches it off and cuts out the infected organ.
Before they remove it, the appendix is put in a sterile bag that’s pushed through one of the incisions. That’s to prevent any pus or infectious material inside the appendix from leaking into the abdomen.
The remaining tissue is then inspected to make sure only healthy tissue is left behind and ensure the suture/staple line is perfect.
If necessary, for example, if the appendix ruptures, the surgeon may use sterile saline to wash the area and then suction out the infectious material.
The surgeon then closes the incisions, typically with small sticky bandages called Steri-Strips or a sterile bandage to protect the skin and prevent infection.
The entire procedure usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. However, if complications arise, the procedure can take longer (for example, if a laparoscopic procedure must be converted into an open procedure).
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