Laparoscopic appendectomy
What is a laparoscopic appendectomy?
A laparoscopic appendectomy is a common emergency surgery done to remove the infected appendix (appendicitis) using minimally invasive surgical techniques as opposed to traditional open appendectomy surgery.
How is a laparoscopic appendectomy done?
Once your child is under general anaesthesia, a laparoscope, which is a narrow tube with a camera, will be inserted through a small incision in the navel of the child, allowing your surgeon to view the internal organs on a screen. Through other thin tubes, narrow tools are inserted to delicately remove the appendix and stitch the end of the cecum (appendix root) closed.
Finally, Dr Noorbhai will close the puncture-like incisions with absorbable stitches or surgical staples.
Why would a laparoscopic appendectomy be done?
A laparoscopic appendectomy surgery is done when the appendix is inflamed which can cause a build-up of bacteria and infection, which causes pain in the right side of the abdomen.
How long will my child be in hospital?
Depending on whether or not the appendix has burst, children usually stay up to three days in hospital after surgery. How soon your child will be discharged from hospital depends on whether he or she is able to drink liquids when waking up and how much pain he or she has.
What will happen after laparoscopic surgery?
After a laparoscopic appendectomy your child will be taken to a hospital room and wake up once the anaesthesia has worn off. It is possible your child may feel groggy, confused and nausea after waking up from surgery. Your child may feel pain near the surgical site, but Dr Noorbhai will make sure he or she is as comfortable as possible. You will be advised how to care for your child’s wound. With rest and care, children recover from this surgery with no problems and relatively quickly.
It is important to re-consult if your child has an unusually high temperature, chills, vomiting, swelling around the incisions, bleeding, is experiencing excessive pain or cramping of the stomach muscles as emergency care may be needed. Approximately 1 week after his or her operation Dr Noorbhai will need to check your child’s wounds and will be able to tell you if your child can go back to school and resume physical activity.
