How long to rest after appendicitis surgery?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 03, 2025
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After an appendectomy, if there is no significant suppuration or infection, a recovery period of at least two weeks is required. During this period, it is important to rest, pay attention to diet, increase nutrition, and increase protein intake, such as eating more chicken, fish, and soy products. Also, consume more vegetables and fruits, engage in appropriate exercises to increase gastrointestinal motility. The surgical incision should be dressed regularly, and sutures can be removed after a week post-operation, then depending on the condition, decide whether to change the dressing again.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is hot compress effective for appendicitis?

The effect of using heat therapy for appendicitis is relatively minor; it can be said that it does not have any significant effect. Appendicitis is caused by increased pressure in the lumen, ischemic necrosis of the mucous membrane, leading to inflammation. In most cases, this requires surgical removal of the appendix. Medication can only temporarily control the symptoms and it is prone to recurrence. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is a common surgical method for treating appendicitis. It is a minimally invasive treatment, with less bleeding during surgery and quicker post-operative recovery. Post-operative care is also important, including regular dressing changes for the incision. Stitches can usually be removed after about a week. It is advised to drink more water and eat more vegetables to prevent constipation. Patients should rest for at least two weeks after surgery to fully recover.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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What should I do about chronic appendicitis?

Most cases of chronic appendicitis are transformed from treated acute appendicitis. Clinically, chronic appendicitis mainly presents as recurrent pain or dull pain in the lower right abdomen. When diagnosed with chronic appendicitis, active surgical treatment is recommended. Currently, the surgical options include traditional open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy, which is referred to as minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery causes less trauma and allows for quicker recovery.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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Can you exercise with appendicitis?

During the acute onset of appendicitis, it is not suitable to exercise. This is because the patient's immune system is weakened, and exercise can exacerbate the spread of inflammation, making the appendix more likely to perforate. In cases of chronic appendicitis, as well as during the recovery period after appendix surgery, moderate activities can be performed. Exercise can be carried out after the stitches are removed, but the intensity of the exercise should not be too high. It is necessary to progress gradually, and an abdominal binder should be used to protect the incision site. It's also important to strengthen nutrition, improve physical fitness, and eat more coarse grains to maintain smooth bowel movements.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Does chronic appendicitis cause fever?

Chronic appendicitis typically presents clinically as recurring pain and discomfort in the lower right abdomen. Usually, there are no signs of fever with chronic appendicitis. Only when the inflammation of chronic appendicitis is uncontrolled might a low-grade fever occur. Sometimes, when chronic appendicitis undergoes an acute episode and becomes a purulent infection, high fever can occur. In such cases of chronic appendicitis with high fever, complications like appendix perforation, diffuse peritonitis, and septicemia can arise. Therefore, if fever occurs in chronic appendicitis, timely anti-infection treatment should be administered. If the infection is not well-controlled, timely surgical treatment is recommended.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does appendicitis surgery leave a scar?

Appendectomy requires surgery, so there will be scars afterward. The scars from minimally invasive surgery are relatively small, with only three incisions on the skin surface, and possibly leaving a suture line post-recovery. In contrast, the traditional surgical approach through McBurney's point results in a larger incision and consequently, a larger scar. It is recommended to use scar removal creams during the postoperative recovery period, as they can be somewhat effective. Additionally, it is important to rest after surgery, with at least two weeks of rest recommended, and to increase protein intake to aid in wound healing.