If you're suffering from appendicitis, a condition that causes the appendix to become inflamed and filled with pus, you will need to have your appendix removed by a general surgeon. This surgical procedure is called an appendectomy. While you may be nervous about having an appendectomy, it is important to know that most general surgeons use laparoscopic surgery for appendix removal, which is usually easier to recover from. However, even with laparoscopic appendectomy, you should still expect to have a recovery period. Use the following tips to help you recover from an appendectomy:
Give Yourself Time to Heal
If you need to have an appendectomy, it is important to give yourself time to heal after the procedure. You may feel more tired after surgery — when you feel fatigued, it is important to sleep or rest. Getting plenty of sleep will make it easier for your body to completely heal from surgery. Taking a little bit of time off of work or school so you can get as much rest as possible may be necessary if you want to avoid complications and recover without issues.
Keep the Incision Sites Clean
A laparoscopic appendectomy requires a general surgeon to make a few small incisions on your abdomen. After surgery, it is extremely important to keep the incision sites as clean as possible in order to prevent infection. Avoid taking baths while you have stitches in place, and make sure that you completely dry the incisions after showering. Do not touch your incision sites without thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water first. During your recovery, it is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that will not irritate your incisions. In some cases, a general surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection; if your surgeon does this, make sure you take the antibiotics as prescribed.
Watch for Signs of Infection
While laparoscopic appendectomies are very common and are considered a safe surgery, it is possible for complications to arise. One of the most common complications after any surgery is infection. If you spike a fever after you are released from the hospital, it is important to contact your general surgeon as soon as possible so you can be evaluated. Likewise, it is essential to seek immediate medical care if any of your incision sites show signs of infection, such as extreme redness, being warm to the touch, or expelling large amounts of pus.
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