Laparoscopic Appendectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy is surgery to treat acute appendicitis. Acute appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed (swollen). The appendix is a small pouch that is attached to the cecum (first part of the large intestine). It is located in the lower right side of the abdomen (stomach). A piece of food or hardened stool may get trapped in the appendix. This may cause the appendix to get blocked, infected, swollen, and filled with pus. If left untreated, the appendix may rupture (burst) and cause severe abdominal pain and infection (peritonitis).
  
  
• In a laparoscopic appendectomy, small incisions (cuts) are made in your abdomen. Caregivers will insert special tools and a laparoscope through these incisions to do the surgery. A laparoscope is a long metal tube with a light and tiny video camera on the end. This gives caregivers a clear view of the abdominal area while watching the images on a monitor. During this surgery, your appendix will be removed, and the inside of your abdomen cleaned to avoid infection. With a laparoscopic appendectomy, appendicitis may be cured, and the symptoms it causes relieved.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Wound care: When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the incisions with soap and water. Afterwards, put on clean, new bandages. Change your bandages any time they get wet or dirty. Ask your caregivers for more information about wound care.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your surgery, condition, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel very full and cannot burp or vomit (throw up).
  
  
• You are unable to have bowel movements.
  
  
• You have pus or a foul-smelling odor coming from your incision.
  
  
• You have severe chest or shoulder pain or trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your vomit is greenish in color, looks like coffee grounds, or has blood in it.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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