A 52-year-old member asked:
what are common complications of appendectomy?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 34 years experience
Infection: Appendicitiis is, by definition, an infection. Some patients may develop superficial skin infections following surgery. A deep infection or abscess may develop less frequently, especially following ruptured appendicitis. This requires abscess drainage, which may often be accomplished non-surgically.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Rodney Biggsanswered
General Surgery 21 years experience
And others: Less common problems can include bleeding, anesthesia related problems, and leak at the colon site where the appendix was removed. These are much less likely than infection after appendectomy. The earlier that appendicitis is diagnosed and treated the less likely you are to have complications from surgery.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 28-year-old member asked:
Can you explain how an appendectomy is done?
2 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 34 years experience
General Surgery: Appendectomy is one of the most common operations performed by a general surgeon. The traditional operation involves making a 1"-3" incision in the right lower abdomen; this operation can also be performed via laparoscopy using 3 small incisions. Either way, the surgery requires general anesthesia, and the appendix is permanently removed along with it's adjacent blood supply.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ernest Block commented
Trauma Surgery 35 years experience
I would agree. There is no clear advantage to one procedure over the other in most patients. In some advanced cases of appendicitis, a laparotomy is warranted (larger incision in middle of abdomen).
Dec 28, 2011
A 39-year-old member asked:
After my appendectomy, I started getting loose poops after meals. Are they related?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hoepfneranswered
General Surgery 39 years experience
Likely: Early after surgery, bowel function irregularity is common. Loose bowels and constipation can occur. Sometimes antibiotics after surgery can cause diarrhea, and even can cause intestinal infection (c. Diff.). Trying probiotics supplements or yogurt may help. If you have persistent diarrhea that does not improve, see your surgeon.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
What is the process of an appendictomy procedure?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hoepfneranswered
General Surgery 39 years experience
Laparoscopic: Most often it is a general anesthetic and laparoscopic procedure with 1-3 small incisions to remove the appendix. Open surgery sometimes needed if extensive or complicating appendix infection. Sometimes over night stay in the hospital may be indicated.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
How long does an appendectomy take?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hoepfneranswered
General Surgery 39 years experience
Varies: Depends if it is open or laparoscopic surgery. Usually surgery would be under an hour unless there is a lot of internal scarring or internal infection making surgery take longer.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
How long does it take to heal after an appendectomy?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Geoffrey Tysonanswered
Pain Management 39 years experience
Not long: That depends on the type of appendectomy done. If it was done laparoscopically you may feel back to normal within a couple of days. If you needed a larger incision it could take weeks to a few months depending on the type of incision.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Feb 8, 2016
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