Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Your appendix is a narrow tubular finger-shaped organ attached to the intestines on the lower right side of your abdomen. It houses bacteria. When the appendix is blocked, it becomes inflamed and results in appendicitis. A ruptured appendix can allow the bacteria to spread to the other organs posing a risk to life. Laparoscopy is the best diagnostic and surgical procedure to detect appendicitis and remove it surgically at the same time.

Solutions of laparoscopic appendectomy

When your gastroenterologist suspects appendicitis, he/she will put you through a few tests to diagnose it conclusively. Depending on the severity of the inflammation, and your medical history, he may suggest laparoscopic surgery to give you the option to choose this minimally invasive surgery for safer results. This is also a two pronged advantage to probe the severity of the appendicitis, and cut it away to remove it. During a laparoscopic appendectomy, your surgeon will make a few keyhole-sized incisions in your abdomen. A small, narrow tube called a cannula will be inserted into one of the incisions to inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. This gas allows the surgeon to see your appendix clearly. Once the abdomen is inflated, the laparoscope, which is a thin tube with high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the end, will be inserted through the incision. The camera will beam the images on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see inside your abdomen and guide the instruments. When the appendix is found, it will be tied off with stiches and removed. The small incisions are then cleaned, sutured, and dressed.

Laparoscopic surgery is often the best option for the elderly and the obese. It has fewer risks than an open appendectomy procedure, and a shorter recovery time hence short hospital stay. However, if the appendix has ruptured, open surgery may be recommended.

Complexities of laparoscopic appendectomy

While there are no specific risks, there could be some discomfort or pain in the tip of your shoulder from the gas in your abdomen. 

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