Surgery

Keyhole Removal of the Appendix

Why It’s Done (Indications)

Used to treat acute appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). This requires urgent removal to prevent the appendix from bursting and spreading infection inside the abdomen.

How to Prepare (Preparations)

• This is usually an emergency procedure, so fasting begins as soon as appendicitis is suspected.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics are started right away.

What Happens (Procedural Details)

• Anaesthesia & Setup: The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes 3 small keyhole incisions (typically near the belly button and in the lower abdomen).
• Abdominal Inflation: Carbon dioxide gas is introduced to expand the abdominal cavity, providing room to safely view and navigate around internal organs.
• Locating the Appendix: The laparoscope is inserted, and the surgeon carefully locates the inflamed appendix attached to the beginning of the large intestine (cecum).
• Dissection & Clipping: Specialized miniature tools are used to separate the appendix from its surrounding fat and blood vessels. The base of the appendix is tightly tied or clipped off with surgical ties/staples to prevent any leakage.
• Extraction: The appendix is placed inside a tiny, sterile plastic retrieval bag inside the abdomen. It is then pulled out through one of the keyhole openings to avoid contaminating the skin wounds with bacteria.
• Inspection & Washout: The surgeon inspects the surrounding area for any signs of remaining infection, washes the space with sterile fluid if necessary, releases the gas, and closes the small skin incisions with dissolvable stitches or surgical tape.
   

Recovery (Postoperative Care)

• Most patients go home within 1 to 2 days.
• Gentle walking is encouraged, but avoid heavy exertion for 2 weeks.
• Keep the small incisions clean and dry.
   

Risks (Potential Complications)

• Intra-abdominal abscess (collection of pus needing drainage).
• Wound infection or minor bleeding.
• Injury to nearby organs (rare).