As Shared by Delhi’s Top Appendix Surgeon Dr Amita Jain
One of the foremost reasons for emergency surgery in hospitals is appendectomy. Recovery from an appendectomy is a procedure that starts at the hospital. Recovery generally depends on the kind of appendectomy procedure and the overall health of the patient.
For example, laparoscopy is a less-invasive procedure having faster and easier recovery compared to an open appendectomy says, Dr Amita Jain. It is even possible that the patient has been discharged straight from the recovery room post a laparoscopic appendectomy.
Discharge time might vary depending on how well liquid intakes are tolerated and start eating solid foods, getting up, and ability to walk a few hours post the appendectomy. Following instructions from the best doctors for the appendix on wound care, bathing, and starting normal activity and exercise is the core to faster recovery after discharge. A smooth and full recovery would involve a few steps to be followed after appendectomy.
Recovery tips
Appendectomy is the sole method to get rid of the dangerous infection that might form if the appendix bursts. Recovery time post appendectomy differs depending on the severity of the infection and whether or not it was a ruptured appendix. If the appendix had ruptured, the individual usually may need to stay for 1 to 2 days in the hospital to remain under observation post appendectomy.
However, with advancements in technology, discharge on the same day following appendectomy has been made safe having low rates of complications or readmissions. For an open appendectomy surgery having a large incision through the abdomen or a laparoscopic appendectomy with 1 to 3 small incisions, it is essential to take care through the following tips for recovery as shared by Delhi’s top surgeon for appendix Dr Amita Jain.
Rest
One needs to sleep much more than normal for the first week to 10 days in an attempt to let the body focus on uninterrupted healing. The natural response of the body post-surgery is to take a break from daily life activity and divert the energy to recuperate. With abdominal surgery done for the removal of the appendix, this duration of restricted physical activity is all the more critical because of the cuts made through the superficial muscles along with the innermost layer of the abdominal wall that hold the internal organs in place.
Physical activities if initiated before the full healing of internal layers could lead to the formation of a hernia. A part of the intestine that squeezes out of the still-healing abdominal cavity as a hernia requires repair and could result in the requirement for more abdominal surgery.
Care instructions
Instructions provided by your doctor at the time of discharge from the hospital are essential to be followed. These instructions usually include wound care, dietary advice, and ways to identify signs of possible complications particularly related to appendectomy. These instructions will also include restrictions on activities mandatory to let proper healing that will include refraining from lifting heavy objects and wearing tight clothing, splinting having a pillow over the stomach to safeguard the incision sites while sneezing or coughing, etc.
Tips on activities will be to avoid strenuous activities like vacuuming, lifting kids and groceries, driving, doing laundry, moving furniture, mowing lawns and sports activities. Walking within the pain limit is the sole activity that can be done soon posts the appendectomy and climbing stairs might be in moderation. In general, to achieve smoother recovery, it is advised to follow homecare instructions more diligently as instructed particularly by the surgeon who conducted the procedure.
Diet
Returning to the old diet as before the appendectomy might take time. Eating smaller portions in a more frequent manner such as having 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day could help in a gradual transition to the regular diet. Drinking water properly and caffeine-free fluids are essential to avoid constipation and bowel problems post-appendectomy.
Stool softeners might be advised while consuming pain medications. Clear liquids might be allowed to be consumed having a few hours of laparoscopic appendectomy and if well tolerated, could be allowed to consume solid foods. Sipping warm water with lemon or peppermint tea could be helpful in relieving gas after the surgery.
Pain management
The healing procedure could slow down when your body is burdened with stress from pain. Tips on ways to manage surgical pain will prevent such stress to promote quicker recovery. The best strategy for managing pain post appendectomy is around-the-clock pain control that is set on a day and night schedule. Prescriptions on pain medications require to be followed exactly on the strength and dosage. Getting pain relief by having the smallest possible dose for the shortest possible time will be the goal in controlling pain after appendectomy. If pain medications are not helping, it requires to be reported to the doctor for further advice.
Gradual activity
Gentle activity is as important as rest. As time passes, resume activity slowly and increase it slowly towards the comfort levels. Short walks that might be even merely around the house could be a good way to begin being active and also support keeping safe from forming post-operative conditions such as pneumonia or blood clots. Being active and moving around a bit whenever possible will also prevent constipation and boost the digestive system to restore back to normalcy quicker.
To make certain everything is healing properly, visit your surgeon for a follow-up and discuss how long your activity needs to be restricted. By the time it is time for a follow-up, adults going to the office might have returned to work but kids will have to wait to return to school or physical activities till the doctor gives them permission.
Signs of infection
Following wound care instructions like washing hands properly, keeping the incision dry, and avoiding tub baths will prevent infection which is the worst complication of appendectomy. Look out for signs of infection will include redness and swelling near the incision, high fever, chills, vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Urgent medical attention from the best doctors such as Dr Amita Jain for appendectomy would be needed.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi