Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the swelling of your appendix. Your appendix is a tube of tissue that is attached to your large intestine. Appendicitis is rarely seen in children less than 2 years old and usually seen in people between 10 to 30 years old, although it can happen to anyone.

Appendicitis happens when there is a blockage between your appendix and your large intestine like infection, stool (poop) or a tissue growth. Infection can make your appendix swell.

What will I be able to do after the surgery?

• You will be able to get up out of bed within 12 hours after your surgery.
• The doctor will either take your appendix out through a 10cm (4 inch) cut in your belly or by using a laparoscope (a thin telescope like tool used to see inside your abdomen).
• If the laparoscope method is used you will have a smaller cut and quicker recovery.
• After you go home you should keep your incision (cut) clean to help healing and prevent infection.
• You can take a shower.
• Vitamin E oil may help decrease scarring.
• Usually you can go back to your normal activities in 2 to 3 weeks or when your doctor says that it is O.K.

Return to the Emergency Department or see your Doctor soon IF:

• You have symptoms of appendicitis, but you have already had your appendix taken out. You may have another problem that needs prompt attention.
• You have any bleeding from your incision(s) that does not stop when pressure is directly applied for 15 minutes.
• Vomiting

You notice any signs of infection:

• Redness around your incision
• Fever, chills
• Warmth around your incision
• Pus draining from your incision
• A bad smell from your incision