1. Laparoscopic
Appendectomy

2. Removal of appendicitis
Infected appendix
What is an appendix?
Anatomical name is vermiform appendix meaning worm-like appendage
Where is appendix?
Lower right abdomen
Bottom of cecum
1st part of large intestine

3. How does appendix become infected?
Appendix is starved of blood
Stool or mucus blockage at opening
Bacteria causes appendix to become inflamed

4. Appendicitis affects 6% of the population Can occur at any age
10-30 is most common
Symptoms:
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain starting in the naval and leading to the appendix
Low fever
Nausea and/or vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation

5. Treatment must be fast Want to avoid perforation of the appendix.
Appendix bursts releasing stool into abdomen
Perforation can occur within 24 hours of initial blockage.
Perforation can cause death
Why appendix would burst?
Decreased blood supply to wall of appendix
Tissue death
Leads to diffuse peritonitis or periappendiceal abscess

6. Peritonitis and Periappendiceal Abscess
Peritonitis is an infection in your entire abdomen.
Lining of abdomen and pelvis
A periappendiceal abscess
collection of infected pus
Very important to remove appendix as soon as possible after diagnosed.

7. Tests to check for appendicitis
Abdominal ultrasound
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Complete blood count (CBC)
Rectal exam
Pelvic exam
Urinalysis

8. Laparoscopic Appendectomy
1-3 small incisions in abdomen
1 usually through belly button
Laparoscopes
Instrument with a camera and light
Bipolar forceps
Send electrical current
Seals blood vessels to prevent bleeding
Scissors
Pre-tied suture with fisherman’s knot
Retrieval bag
Before laparoscopic procedures were around, an open appendectomy was preformed

9. Procedure Preparation-
Given antibiotics
No food or drink
Anesthesia complications
Wear loose fitting clothing and no jewelry
IV line will give you fluids and medication
Breathing tube will be inserted
General anesthesia
Ex. Inhaled gasses, Barbiturates, Opioids
Surgery performed in a hospital by a surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic surgery
Animation

10. Post Surgery One time procedure
Hospital stay for 2 days if non-ruptured and 5 days if ruptured
Pain is worst prior to surgery, however, slight pain at the wound site is experienced post surgery
Will receive pain medication and antibiotics
Right shoulder may have pain due to carbon dioxide injection

11. Restrictions after surgery
Liquids:
Small amounts of liquid on day of surgery
8-10 glasses per day after 1st day
No alcohol for 2 days after surgery
Return to work/school
1 week from surgery
Heavy Lifting:
None for 3-5 days
Gym Activity
No working out for 2-4 weeks

12. Wound Care Wash hands No bathtubs, only showers until stitches removed
Must wait till second postoperative day to take 1st shower
Small amount of drainage is normal
Steristrips will fall off on own or be removed during 1st visit
Wear loose clothing
Keep wound out of sun or use sunscreen

13. Personal Accounts Intense pain prior to surgery
To make easier on patient:
Pain medication
Wear loose clothing (can catch on stitches)
Have help days after surgery
Ex. Getting in and out of bed
This is not preventative but rather would improve a person’s life
Can die if appendix perforates

14. Get to a doctor immediately if you have symptoms of appendicitis.
Get there fast!
Most appendixes will burst within 48 hours of symptoms

15. References:
Appendectomy: surgical removal of the appendix. (n.d.). FACS. Retrieved December 1, 2011, from
Marks, J. (n.d.). Appendicitis & appendectomy pictures slideshow. Medicinenet. Retrieved December 1, 2011, from
Laparoscopic appendectomy surgery - animation. (n.d.). Nucleus Medical Media. Retrieved December 1, 2011, from