Carenotes > Open Appendectomy (Discharge Care)

Open Appendectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An open appendectomy is surgery to remove your appendix. The appendix is a tube-shaped organ in the lower right side of your abdomen (stomach). Scientists do not know what an appendix does in a person's body. You may need an appendectomy if you have appendicitis. If you have appendicitis, your appendix is inflamed (swollen) or infected by germs called bacteria. Your appendix may become inflamed and infected if it becomes blocked. Some things that may cause your appendix to become blocked include stool, seeds, or tumors (growths). You may also need surgery if your appendix is injured or not in the right position.
  
  
• Your caregiver may press on parts of your body to see where you have pain. He may also do blood, urine, or imaging tests to check for appendicitis and other diseases. In an open appendectomy, your appendix is removed through an incision (cut) in your lower abdomen. Having your appendix removed may help relieve your symptoms, such as pain, vomiting, and fever (high body temperature). If your appendix bursts or has a hole in it, then infection may leak out into your abdomen. If your appendix is removed before bursting, you may be less likely to get a serious infection.

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.

Your caregiver will look at your stitches and ask you about your symptoms. He will check your surgical cut for any signs of infection. If you have a drain, then he may remove it. Your caregiver may also do imaging tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography. These tests may help your caregiver see if you have an infection in your abdomen.

For more information: Contact the following:

• American College of Gastroenterology
  P.O. Box 342260
  Bethesda, MD 20827-2260
  Phone: 1-301-
  Web Address: http://www.acg.gi.org/
  

• American College of Surgeons
  633 N. Saint Clair St.
  Chicago, IL 606113211
  Phone: 1-312-2025000
  Phone: 1-800-6214111
  Web Address: http://www.facs.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a new rash.
  
  
• Your surgery site is red, swollen, or has pus coming from it.
  
  
• You feel nauseous (sick to your stomach).
  
  
• Your stitches come apart.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, surgery, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have severe (very bad) pain.
  
  
• You keep vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Your abdomen becomes swollen.
  
  
• You have bleeding that does not stop.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.

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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