Appendectomy

Laparoscopic
Appendectomy
patient information from your surgeon & SAGES
Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal ■ 1

Laparoscopic Appendectomy
About appendectomies
What is the appendix?

The appendix is a long narrow tube (a few inches in length) that attaches to the first
part of the colon. It is usually located in the lower right quadrant of the abdominal
cavity. The appendix produces a bacteria destroying protein called immunoglobulins,
which help fight infection in the body. Its function, however, is not essential. People
who have had appendectomies do not have an increased risk toward infection. Other
organs in the body take over this function once the appendix has been removed.
What is a laparoscopic appendectomy?

Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical problems. One out of every 2,000
people has an appendectomy sometime during their lifetime. Treatment requires an
operation to remove the infected appendix. Traditionally, the appendix is removed
through an incision in the right lower abdominal wall.
In most laparoscopic appendectomies, surgeons operate through 3 small incisions
(each ¼ to ½ inch) while watching an enlarged image of the patient’s internal organs
on a television monitor. In some cases, one of the small openings may be lengthened to
complete the procedure.

About appendectomies
Advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy

Results may vary depending upon the type of procedure and patient’s overall
condition. Common advantages are:
• Less postoperative pain
• May shorten hospital stay
• May result in a quicker return to bowel function
• Quicker return to normal activity
• Better cosmetic results
Are you a candidate for laparoscopic appendectomy?

Although laparoscopic appendectomy has many benefits, it may not be appropriate
for some patients. Early, non-ruptured appendicitis usually can be removed
laparoscopically. Laparoscopic appendectomy is more difficult to perform if there is
advanced infection or the appendix has ruptured. A traditional, open procedure using
a larger incision may be required to safely remove the infected appendix in
these patients.

How the surgery is performed
How is a laparoscopic appendectomy performed?

The words “laparoscopic” and “open” appendectomy describes the techniques
a surgeon uses to gain access to the internal surgery site. Most laparoscopic
appendectomies start the same way. Using a cannula (a narrow tube-like instrument),
the surgeon enters the abdomen. A laparoscope (a tiny telescope connected to a video
camera) is inserted through a cannula, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the
patient’s internal organs on a television monitor. Several other cannulas are inserted
to allow the surgeon to work inside and remove the appendix. The entire procedure
may be completed through the cannulas or by lengthening one of the small cannula
incisions. A drain may be placed during the procedure. This will be removed later by
your surgeon.

Alternatives to the laparoscopic method
What happens if the operation cannot be performed or completed by

the laparoscopic method?
In a small number of patients the laparoscopic method is not feasible because of the
inability to visualize or handle the organs effectively. If your surgeon feels that it is safest to
convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open one, this is not a complication, but rather
sound surgical judgment. Factors that may increase the possibility of converting to the
“open” procedure may include:
• Extensive infection and/or abscess
• A perforated appendix
• Obesity
• A history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense scar tissue
• Inability to visualize organs
• Bleeding problems during the operation

Expected outcomes
What should I expect after surgery?

After the operation, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Although many
people feel better in just a few days, remember that your body needs time to heal.
• You are encouraged to be out of bed the day after surgery and to walk. This will help
diminish the risk of blood clots in your legs and of soreness in your muscles.
• You will probably be able to get back to most of your normal activities in one to two
weeks time. These activities include showering, driving, walking up stairs, working
and engaging in sexual intercourse.
• If you have prolonged soreness or are getting no relief from the prescribed pain
medication, you should notify your surgeon.
• You should call your surgeon and schedule a follow up appointment for about 1-2
weeks following your operation.
What complications can occur?

As with any operation, there are risks of complications. However, the risk of one of
these complications occurring is no higher than if the operation was done with the
open technique.
• Bleeding
• Infection
• A leak at the edge of the colon where the appendix was removed
• Injury to adjacent organs such as the small intestine, ureter, or bladder.
• Blood clots the deep veins in your legs that may travel to your lungs
• It is important for you to recognize the early signs of possible complications.
Contact your surgeon if you have severe abdominal pain, fever, chills or rectal
bleeding.

When to call your doctor
Be sure to call your physician or surgeon if you develop any of the following:
• Persistent fever over 101 degrees F (39 C)
• Bleeding
• Increasing abdominal swelling
• Pain that is not relieved by your medications
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Chills
• Persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Purulent drainage (pus) from any incision
• Redness surrounding any of your incisions that is worsening or getting bigger
• You are unable to eat or drink liquids
This brochure is not intended to take the place of your discussion with your surgeon about the
need for an appendectomy. If you have questions about your need for an appendectomy, your
alternatives, billing or insurance coverage, or your surgeon’s training and experience, do not
hesitate to ask your surgeon or his/her office staff about it. If you have questions about the
operation or subsequent follow-up, please discuss them with your surgeon before or after the
operation.
Color images: Atlas of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Jones DB, et al. Copyright 2006 Cine-Med.

Additional instructions:
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN GASTROINTESTINAL

AND ENDOSCOPIC SURGEONS (SAGES)
11300 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: (310) 437-0544
Fax: (310) 437-0585
www.sages.org
This brochure was reviewed and approved by the Board of Governors of the Society of American
Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), March 2015. It was prepared by SAGES Task
Force on Patient Information.

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Laparoscopic

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal ■ 1

What is the appendix?

What is a laparoscopic appendectomy?

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal ■ 2

Advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy

Are you a candidate for laparoscopic appendectomy?

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal ■ 3

How is a laparoscopic appendectomy performed?

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal ■ 4

What happens if the operation cannot be performed or completed by

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal ■ 5

What should I expect after surgery?

What complications can occur?

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal ■ 6

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal ■ 7

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN GASTROINTESTINAL

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